The Minister of Culture of Tajikistan, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, has refuted rumors that all of the capital’s theaters will be gathered under one roof in the under-construction National Theater building. Speaking at a press conference in Dushanbe on January 26, she stated that the National Theater will operate independently from other theatrical institutions.
Sattoriyon noted that the National Theater was established under the Executive Office of the President, and its activities will be autonomous.
"This theater (referring to the National Theater) has no relation to the Lohuti Theater, the Mayakovsky Russian Drama Theater, or any other theaters. These are independent entities," the Minister of Culture declared.
Mirzoolim Saidov, Head of the Arts Department of the Ministry, added that regarding the placement of all capital theaters—and specifically the integration of the Lohuti Theater into the National Theater—"no such instructions have been given."
The Minister of Culture and the Head of the Arts Department reported that the National Theater building is expected to be commissioned ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence celebrations, while the new building for the Vladimir Mayakovsky Russian Theater is slated for completion in early 2027.
It should be noted that rumors had been circulating among performers suggesting that once the National Theater building was completed, all troupes would be moved there. Prominent Tajik actors had voiced their alarm over these reports.
Specifically, People's Artist of Tajikistan Kurboni Sobir told "Asia-Plus": "If it is true that all the capital's theaters are to be gathered in the National Theater building, it is a wrong decision. This would lead to the stagnation of theatrical art."
Previously, the late People's Artist of Tajikistan Ubaydullo Rajabov also expressed his concern in an interview regarding the unification of theaters.
"Collecting all theaters in one building is a major crime. When all theaters are gathered in one place, creative competition dies, and no hope remains for improving the situation," the late artist had said.
On December 1, 2025, the National Theater was officially established in Tajikistan, and on January 7, 2026, Manuchekhr Sharifzoda was appointed as its first director.
Construction of the National Theater building is still ongoing. President Emomali Rahmon instructed the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management to provide the National Theater staff with temporary premises until the building is commissioned. Nearly two months later, it remains unknown whether a temporary building has been provided.
The first stone of the National Theater was laid in 2015, but construction was suspended in 2017 due to financial difficulties. Work resumed in July 2024 but has yet to be completed.
