摘要：In article formation and development of the Russian theater in the Penza province in the 40-70th of the 19th century is considered. For rich scenic life Penza was called by «the Mordovian Athens». The Theatre of noble fans created by the vice governor I.N. Dolgorukov in the estate of the Penza nobleman D.E. Polchaninov at the beginning of the 90th of the 18th century was the first theater in Penza. At the beginning of the 19th century serf and public theaters of Akimov, Gladkov, Gorikhvostov, Kozhin, Kishinsky, etc. worked in the city. Gladkov' theater was the most known and durable of them. He existed 24 years (1806–1829). The theatrics have been presented after it in Penza by visitors professional troupes, amateur noble theatricals. Since 1842 it is known of existence theater of I.N. Gorstkina. Different impresarios directed this theater. The theater didn't enjoy special popularity and pertinent public. In 1846 I.N. Gorstkin has repaired the building of theater of Gladkov redeemed earlier where itself I put performances and invited troupes from another town. The repertoire was various – domestic and translated dramas, tragedies, but comedies, vaudevilles prevailed as they attracted the audience mostly. The actor and the director P.M. Medvedev removed theater in 1861. He has organized the Russia's first actor's association in Penza. The actor with an international recognition black Ira Olridzh gave representations in theater in 1864. Many charitable statements were given in theater I.N. Gorstkina (for fire victims of residents of Simbirsk, school at the Penza prison, the Alexandria children's shelter, Slavs of the Balkan Peninsula, etc.). The theater passes to his widow Aleksandra Nikolaevna after I.N. Gorstkin's death in 1876, to his son L.I. Gorstkin – in 1879.
