THEATRE FACTORY 42 was founded in 2023 by Levan Tsuladze and a group of artists, with the aim of creating an independent, modern theater that has a different approach – financial and artistic – to the work of artists and actors.
In September 2023, the team of artists, together with Tsuladze, unveiled a brand-new, state-of-the-art theater space in an old factory in Tbilisi, covering an impressive 1500 square meters.
Levan Tsuladze left his position as artistic director of the Marjanishvili Theater in September, so as to focus on Theatre Factory 42’s first season.
Othello and Don Juan have been performed, and they have the third premiere now, and Christmas Fairy Tale on January 3.
The theater has 264 seats and a unique 16 X 24 X 7 m stage.
In general, there is little support for independent art in Georgia, but Theatre 42’s Eka Mazmishvili notes they were lucky to have several companies offer to help build the theater.
“As an independent unit, however, we have to constantly search for support to create new performances. Performances are our most important asset to generate income and pay artistic and technical staff,” she tells GEORGIA TODAY.
When the project Theatre 42 kicked off, British actor and a founder of the acting school, a great master of drama and a dedicated friend of Georgian theater – Giles Foreman, suggested doing a fundraising event in London to help to finalize the setting of Theatre 42. Giles Foreman is one of the leading acting coaches in the UK and throughout Europe, and is a specialist in the Methodological Approach to acting. He was recently awarded a special Swiss Film-Academy award as a film-acting coach, alongside Barbara Fischer.
With Mako Abashidze, Founder and Director of the British-Georgian Chamber of Commerce, Giles reached out to both British and international friends to support this great project. The money raised will be spent on new performances and artistic work.
“I’m a long-term fan and admirer of Levan Tsuladze’s works – first when I was in Tbilisi till 1993, and then many times I witnessed standing ovations for plays directed by him in the UK, at the Shakespeare Globe and many other prestigious theaters in Britain,” Mako tells us.
The Fundraising Dinner in support of Theater Factory 42 will take place on January 15, at 7PM, at the wine club “80-20 Wines,” 56 Peckham Rye, London, UK, SE15 4JR. Those participating can look forward to delicious Georgian dishes, fine Georgian wine, and the chance to meet special guest and talented international singer, Katie Melua.
There will also be an auction featuring unique theater items like sketches, props, and costume pieces, and the chance to make direct donations.
“We’re excited to share this wonderful evening, filled with artistic experiences and the joy of supporting Theatre Factory 42. Your presence will make the event even more special. Your support will make Georgian theater stronger!” Mako notes.
The ticket price for the evening is 136.14 GBP. Tickets can be bought here, and donations made here.
Please contact Mako Abashidze to confirm your attendance: m.abashidze@bgcc.org.uk /+44 7769 477 090/ +995 555 433 433
About 80-20 Wines
80-20 Wines is a truly Georgian setting in the heart of a dynamic and cosmopolitan, very trendy area of Peckham, London.
80-20 Wines is a collaboration of Georgian friends to showcase 80% of Georgian wines and 20% wines from little-known wine origins- they stock a unique collection of Georgian wines (the biggest list in the UK, Mako tells us) and also selected wines from, among others, Lebanon, Japan, England, Romania, Ukraine, Slovenia, England, and Greece (but none of the French, Californian and other usual suspects, Mako notes).
“It is our second shop in London and in the shop we have a special area for film screenings, tastings and presentations,” Mako says. “We are planning to host many cultural events as well as special activities for wine lovers. 80-20 Wines is a unique place with the largest Georgian wine lists in the UK.”
By Katie Ruth Davies
