Overview
- The theater officially reopened on December 28 in a ceremony attended by St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov, DNR head Denis Pushilin and other officials.
- St. Petersburg-led teams preserved the historic façade while rebuilding the structure to current standards, with more than 300 workers involved and capacity set at 495 seats under fire-safety rules.
- The renovation installed a rotating stage, a three-position orchestra pit, 84 lifting mechanisms, new sound and lighting systems, upgraded ventilation and an elevator for improved accessibility.
- Programming resumed with children’s performances from December 28 after tickets went on sale December 19, with adult productions scheduled in January and a Mariupol troupe tour to St. Petersburg planned for 2026.
- Russian officials describe the opening as a cultural milestone, while the Defense Ministry asserts Azov fighters detonated the theater on March 16, 2022.