"the maids" at the gerald w. lynch theateR, 06/26 & 06/28

On June 26 and 28, 2026, Georgia's Royal District Theatre presented Jean Genet's The Maids at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater in New York. Presented by Emolas Corporation, the production introduced New York audiences to one of Georgia's most acclaimed contemporary theatrical works.

Originally staged in Tbilisi and directed by Nika Tavadze at the Royal District Theater, The Maids had previously been recognized as Best Performance of the Year. Its three leading actresses - Nata Murvanidze, Nina Kasradze, and Baia Dvalishvili - had each received the Best Actress award for their performances. Together, they delivered a precise, disciplined ensemble performance marked by psychological depth, emotional control, and intensity.

Minimalist scenography and an original score supported the production's focused and uncompromising interpretation of Genet's text. 

Emolas Corporation created the production's entire set and stage décor in the United States specifically for the New York performances. The performances were presented in Georgian with English subtitles, making the production accessible to both Georgian-speaking spectators and the wider New York audience.

Founded in Tbilisi in 1997, the Royal District Theatre is recognized as one of the region's leading contemporary theatre platforms. Known for its experimental approach and reinterpretation of classical works, the theatre has developed a strong international presence through collaborations and appearances at major European venues and festivals, including Deutsches Theater Berlin and the FAST FORWARD Festival.

The Gerald W. Lynch Theater provided an appropriate setting for the production's New York presentation. Since 1988, the venue has served as an established part of the city's performing arts landscape, hosting productions and programs connected with Lincoln Center, the New Yorker Festival, the World Science Festival, and other prominent cultural institutions.

Following the performances, the actresses met with spectators, creating an opportunity for direct conversation between the artists and the audience. This personal exchange extended the experience beyond the stage and allowed attendees to engage more closely with the production, its creative process, and the artists behind it.

The New York presentation of The Maids represented an important moment of cultural exchange between Georgia and the United States. By bringing an award-winning Georgian production to an established New York stage, the project expanded the international visibility of contemporary Georgian theatre and created a meaningful connection among Georgian artists, diaspora audiences, and New York's broader cultural community.

Presented by Emolas Corporation.

Bank of Georgia - Official Partner of Emolas Corporation.