On November 22, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. The Yakub Kolas National Academic Drama Theatre celebrates its 85th anniversary today. A congratulatory address in honour of this significant date, signed by Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich, was read out at the gala evening in Vitebsk by the First Deputy Minister of Culture Vladimir Karachevsky, BELTA correspondent reports. "The history of the formation and creative achievements of your renowned theatre company deserves great respect and sincere words of gratitude. The best pages of the theatre's activity have always been associated with national drama, the assertion of high moral and aesthetic ideals in art. It was on its stage that the plays of Belarusian writers and playwrights - Yakub Kolas, Kuzma Chorny, Kondrat Krapiva - first saw the footlights," the message states. Along with the genre diversity of its repertoire, the theatre's troupe also stands out with its acting mastery, with artists who have created a whole gallery of vivid, memorable characters. A galaxy of famous actors worked here at different times - V. Volsky, P. Molchanov, S. Stanyuta, and others. Over the years of its existence, the theatre has become an integral part of the space of true Belarusian culture, Mikhail Myasnikovich emphasized in his congratulations. The Prime Minister wished the Kolas Theatre further creative achievements and success. During the festive event, theatre employees and workers were presented with honorary diplomas and letters of appreciation from the Ministry of Culture, the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, and the City Executive Committee. One of the leading actors of the Kolas troupe, Petr Laman, was awarded a diploma of the National Assembly of Belarus. The productions of the Yakub Kolas Theatre enjoy constant success with the residents of Vitebsk, as well as with the city's guests. Moreover, the Vitebsk theatre is well-known abroad. For instance, the creative team of the play "Chagall... Chagall..." has repeatedly travelled to international theatre festivals in England, Scotland, Italy, Poland, and Moldova. The theatre enjoys deserved success on tour in Russia and Ukraine. Over the years of its existence, the theatre has become an authoritative laboratory of national drama. K. Krapiva, A. Yakimovich, and others have fruitfully collaborated with the company. The cooperation with V. Korotkevich and A. Dudarev left a bright mark on the theatre's creative biography. -0-

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