The Ilia State University Theatre, the first and for the time being only professional theatre in Georgian higher education setting, was opened in 2010 on the premises of once celebrated Theatre Basement in Vake.

The main mission of the Theatre is to provide basis for professional training and development of Ilia State University Students in Theatre Arts. Now the theatre provides its assistance for the Master’s Degree Programme “Live Theatre Arts: Acting and Directing”. The Theatre is always open for young directors and arts professionals and participates eagerly in their experiments and innovative projects. 

The performances of the Iliauni Theatre often includes students and alumni of Ilia State University Arts Programmes, providing an important training for their future professional life. The Theatre operates as a venture project, inviting each time anew different directors and groups of actors for its performances. Hence, it is not governed by an artistic director and has no permanent group of actors. 

The University Theatre was opened on 30 September 2010 with a vaudeville, “Witted Woe” by a Georgian playwright of the 19th century Avxenti Tsagareli, directed by Otar Egadze.

The Theatre season opens in the first week of October and lasts until the end of June. The performances are held Thursdays through Sundays. All performances begin at 20:00.