Two-act ballet
Gorda by Davit Toradze was premiered on December 30, 1949 at Tbilisi Z.Paliashvili Opera and Ballet Theater. Otar Egadze and Vakhtang Chabukiani worked on ballet libretto, based on Daniel Tchonkadze’s story
Surami fortress.
Production design of premiere was made by young Pharnaoz Lapiashvili; conductor was Didim Mirtskhulava. Gorda’s main part was performed by Vakhtang Chabukiani, Irema by Vera Tsignadze, Javara – Irine Aleksidze, Mamia - Zurab Kikaleishvili.
In 1957 premiere of new choreographic version was held (Gorda – Zurab Kikaleishvili, Irema – Vera Tsignadze, Javara – Liliana Mitaishvili, Mamia – Revaz Magalashvili).
In 1973, fire destroyed entire repertoire of scenery and costumes. Several performances required restaging, including
Gorda. In 1974, one more premiere was presented at Labor Union Culture Palace. This place eventually became haven for artists abandoned without theater.
In 1985 new choreographic version of
Gorda was staged at Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. Production design was by Ivane Askurava, conductor was Revaz Takidze; leading parts were performed by Zakaria Amonashvli and Nukri Magalashvili (Gorda), Ala Abesadze and Victoria Laperashvili (Irema),Lia Bakhtadze (Javara).
Zurab Kikaleshvili was the last to restage
Gorda in 1996. Leading parts were performed by theater soloists VasilAkhmeteli (Gorda), Yuri Sorokin (Mamia), Lia Bakhtadze (Javara), Ketevan Mukhashavria (Irema). The last performance of this version was held in 2002.
In 2015 restaging works began by Nina Ananiashvili, artistic director of the theater. She created new libretto versions and ballet
choreographic version , together with creative team who worked on
Gorda’s production - Liliana Mitaishvili and Lali Kandelaki, Ekaterine Shavliashvili (Assistant to the Choreographer), David Mukeria (Conductor), David Monavardisashvili (Production Designer), Ana Kalatozishvili (Costume Designer), Jester Keningsboro (Production Design), Studio
Opio (video animations).