We know that the first theatrical performances in Dubrovnik were held in the Renaissance period between the houses and streets of Dubrovnik, usually in the wide frontal area of the Rectors Palace. The old arsenal Orsan was the first closed theatrical area in Dubrovnik, from the end of the 17 century up until 1808. After the fall of the Dubrovnik Republic, the theatre was organized in the former city council area and was called the Rectors Theatre.

It was used until 1817, at which time it was destroyed by fire. During Austrian rule, theatrical activities were conducted in the renovated house of Gucetic-gozze. The building that was financed by Luko Bundic-Bunda, and which houses today’s Marin Drzic Theatre, was opened in 1865 with the formal presentation of Verdis opera "Ernani", performed by the Italian Compagnie Theatre up until World War II. The Marin Drzic Theatre has been a professional theatre since 1944. It received its name in commemoration of the 400 year-old death of the great Dubrovnik writer, Marin Drzic.