Who is regarded as the founder of modern Georgian theatre?

The 19th-century playwright Giorgi Eristavi is regarded as the founder of modern Georgian theatre.1

Eristavi played a pivotal role in the development of the medium by editing a literary journal and directing the Georgian-language theatre, which operated sporadically during the 19th century. In addition to his work as a director and translator of Russian comedies, he authored several notable plays, including the drama Sheshlili ("The Madwoman") and the successful comedies Dava, anu tochka da zapetaia ("The Lawsuit, or Semicolon") and Gaqra ("The Family Settlement").2