Little Theatre or the State Academic Maly Theatre of Russia - it is the oldest Russian drama theater. It is located in the heart of Moscow, in the Theater Travel. The theater was founded in 1757, immediately after the August Decree Elizabeth. This year is officially considered to be the date of birth of professional theater in Russia.

Artistic Troupe was established at Moscow University. Free Russian theater was called "University". It was headed by a famous playwright of the time - Kheraskov. In 1805, the University Theatre logged imperial theaters formed under Alexander I.

In 1824, the architect of Beauvais for the theater was built mansion. It moved to the Imperial Theatre troupe, and he became known as the Little Theatre. The theater became a "small" because it was located next to the "big" theater. While this meant a size comparison. It took a long time to the definitions included in the name of the theater.

This period was marked by the rise of theater. The theater had an extensive repertoire. An important period in the development of Small theater associated with the name of the great tragedian P. Mochalova and named former serf actor Mikhail Schepkina.Dlya Maly Theater wrote the play's most famous authors: A. Sukhovo - Kobylin, I. S.Turgenev, N. Ostrovsky. The theater went from Ostrovsky's play and he secretly assigned the name "House of Ostrovsky."

In the 20th century the Little Theatre was looking for new ways of development. It was set up a branch Theatre - New Stage, where carried out experimental productions. The new theater opened in 1898 in the building of the treasury Shelaputinsky theater. There were not only drama but also ballets, and opera.

Today, the Little Theatre has been active creative activity. Each season, the troupe performs 4 - 5 new productions. Theatre tours extensively - in recent years, the troupe has toured in Japan and Israel, France, Germany and Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, South Korea, Mongolia, Greece, Cyprus and many other countries.

In the Maly Theatre Festival takes place on a regular basis "in the House of Ostrovsky Ostrovsky" .Nedavno organized by the International Festival of National Theatres.

Actor and director of the Maly Theatre worthy of continuing the rich tradition of the theater. The basis of the current theater repertoire includes plays by Alexander Ostrovsky: "There was a penny but suddenly hit the jackpot." "Forest". "Labor bread", "Wolves and Sheep", "Mad Money," "His people - are numbered! "Drugie.Znachitelnoe and place in the repertoire of the theater took Anton Chekhov's play" Uncle Vanya, "" The Cherry Orchard "," The Seagull. "

In the Maly Theatre, the only of the theaters, has a choir, symphony orchestra and a small part of the vocalists.

Decree of the President of Russia Maly Theatre defined the status of national treasure. It is included in the list of most valuable objects of culture of the country, along with the Tretyakov Gallery, the Hermitage and a large theater.