The roots of Tskhinvali’s Georgian Theatre are connected with the name of a famous public figure, writer and a congenial translator of Shakespeare, Ivane Machabeli. He graduated from the University of St. Petersburg in 1875 and he headed the local performance of theatre lovers, which was held in Tskhinvali to help poor students. Newspaper “Droeba” of that time (12.09.1875/104) reads: “The Separation” by Giorgi Eristavi was performed in Tskinvali. It was Sunday, 31^st of August. The play was held in Alexander Ohanov’s house and it went with the rear excellence even in comparison with the performances played in Tbilisi. Among men, Zaal Machabeli – in the role of Pavle and Ivane Machabeli – in the role of Ivane, were perfect. Nato Gabunia was delightful in the role of the secretary. The roles of Nino and Shushana were played by Anastasia Machabeli, the roles of Makrine and Tatula – by Ephemia Machabeli and the role of Kardashverdi – by Ms.Aleekseeva. All three performed well, but the most wonderful, excellent and artistic among them was Ephemia Machabeli.  As to the others, they weren’t bad either.”

 In 1879, the theatre lovers  performed  Moliere’s “The Doctor in Spite of Himself”, which Ivane Machabeli  had translated.  in 1892 they performed “Khanuma” by A.Tsagareli, after what performing in Tskhinvali became more common.

In 1892, for the reason of building a bridge on the river Patara Liakhvi, the theatre lovers performed Z. Antonov’s “Solar Eclipse in Georgia” with Avksenti Tsagareli, Nato Gabunia and Zaal Machabeli. And in 1894, in order to help a book depository, with the support of Ephemia Machabeli, Valerian Gunia’s comedy “Stuck between the Rock and a Hard Place” and vaudeville “The Time of Cholera” were performed.

   In 1895, a summer theatre “Rotonda” was built. But In 1902, the fire burnt down “Rotonda”.

   In 1911 E.Cherkezishvili was invited on tour in Tskhinvali; Mako Saparov-Abashidze, Valerian Gunia and Kote Meskhi played in separate guest performances in Tskhinvali.

 In 1909, a new theatre was built in Tskhinvali. Besides, because of building the Tirifon Channel, in 1927, the building of the theatre was deconstructed. The theatre lovers continued to work in a trade union club headed by Grigol Meburnutov.