Overview
- The theatre officially opened on December 28 with St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov, DNR head Denis Pushilin and presidential envoy Igor Rudenya attending the ceremony.
- Project leaders say the 1960s-era façade was retained while the interior received modern stage, acoustic and lighting systems including a rotating stage, a three-position orchestra pit and 84 lifting mechanisms.
- More than 300 builders worked on the reconstruction, the building stands on its original foundation with layout changes for a new lift, ventilation and safety systems, and the hall now seats 495.
- DNR cultural officials said regional companies from Donetsk and Makeevka are ready to perform, and the theatre’s equipment will be phased into use as commissioning proceeds.
- St. Petersburg emphasized its patron-city role, stating it has restored or built about 50 facilities in Mariupol since 2022, spanning schools, medical centers, housing and transport.