Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army, Military theatre in Meshchansky District, Russia
The Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army is a theatre building in Meshchansky District, Russia, shaped like a five-pointed star when viewed from above. The structure rises near Suvorov Square with a symmetrical facade of pale stone and tall columns that mark it as an example of monumental Soviet-era construction.
The theatre opened in 1940 as a stage for the Red Army, intended to provide performances for soldiers and officers during wartime. After the war it was renamed and evolved into an institution managed by the Defence Ministry, presenting a broad repertoire of dramas and musical productions.
The house carries the Russian designation Tsentralny Akademichesky Teatr Rossiyskoy Armii, which locals often shorten to TsATRA in casual conversation. Performances here draw regular audiences from both military families and theater enthusiasts who come to see productions with large ensemble casts and elaborate staging techniques rarely seen elsewhere in the capital.
The entrance is located at Suvorov Square 2 in Moscow and is easily reached by metro. The auditorium holds nearly 2000 seats spread across multiple levels, and the building remains open for performances year-round.
The stage ranks among the largest in Europe and allows entire military vehicles to appear during performances. Some productions feature tanks or ship hulls on the boards, creating technical demands that few other stages can meet.
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