Why did Georgian theatre develop slowly during the 19th century?

The development of Georgian theatre during the 19th century was stunted primarily due to a lack of prosperous city dwellers, who were necessary to support such an institution.1

While the era saw the emergence of Giorgi Eristavi—who is regarded as the founder of modern Georgian theatre—the Georgian-language theatre functioned only sporadically until the 1880s. Throughout the 19th century and into the early 21st century, the theatre faced the ongoing challenge of maintaining an impoverished repertoire, despite the presence of talented actors and directors.12