The Georgian Drama Theater was named after Shota Rustaveli on November 25, 1921, but the history of the Rustaveli Theater began much earlier: "The theater is a great thing for our fallen people, we still don't have any signs of nationalism." It is one place where our language is heard publicly and acts publicly'' - wrote Ilia Chavchavadze.

In 1879, the members of the "Drama Committee", Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Dimitri Kifiani, Davit Eristavi and Ivane Machabeli, adopted a charter, selected a building on the Palace Square, and on September 5, 1879, with their great efforts, the first season opened with Barbara Jorjadze's comedy "What I was looking and what did I find" (Director - G. Tumanishvili). For the restored Georgian theater, Ivane Machabeli translated Shakespeare's plays, and Davit Eristavi translated Sardu's "Flandria" - "Homeland" into Georgian (1882). The national aspiration of the theater was highlighted in this performance. Lado Meskhishvili, who played the role of Levan Khimshiashvili, was named a national hero. . .

In 1898, on Golovin Prospect (Rustaveli Avenue), the foundation was laid for the "House of the Artistic Society" (later Rustaveli Theater). On February 7, 1901, the newspaper "Iveria" reported: "On February 6, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the newly built building of Tbilisi's "Art Society" was consecrated on Golovin Prospekt. On March 5 of the same year, Aksenti Tsagareli's "Khanuma" was presented.