Alfred ve dvoře

Alfred ve dvoře is an experimental theatre tucked inside a courtyard of residential buildings in Prague 7, on the edge of Holešovice. It was founded in 1997 by mime artist, director, choreographer and teacher Ctibor Turba, who — after the building was returned to private ownership following restitution — chose to use the inner courtyard to build a stage dedicated to pantomime and experimental theatre. The gesture was unusual in itself: the venue became one of the very few 20th-century Prague theatres purpose-built from scratch specifically to function as a theatre.

How did the theatre begin?

In its first two years under Turba's direction, the venue produced eleven productions that went on to appear at numerous international festivals. In March 2001, Turba stepped down from artistic and organisational leadership and leased the space to the Motus association, a group founded to give the emerging new forms of theatre of 1990s Czechoslovakia a professional production environment.

What does Alfred ve dvoře do today?

Since then, the theatre has operated without its own resident company or fixed repertoire. Instead, it lends its space to a rotating cast of artistic groups working outside the boundaries of conventional theatre, with a focus on non-verbal, movement-based and visual performance. The programme regularly features bold, author-driven productions by Czech and international artists working in physical theatre, visual performance and other experimental disciplines.

What does the building look like?

The theatre takes the form of a garden pavilion — a light, largely metal structure that regulars have nicknamed the "iron camera" because of its appearance. Set inside a residential block, it feels detached from the surrounding street life even though it sits right in the middle of the neighbourhood, creating a small, self-contained world just steps from ordinary Prague apartment buildings.

Why is it worth a visit?

Alfred ve dvoře appeals to travellers looking for something beyond the mainstream theatre circuit in the city centre. Because there's no resident company, the programme changes constantly — one evening might bring pantomime, the next a contemporary visual performance or a touring international project. It's a venue closely tied to Prague's independent performing arts scene and a reliable stop for artists visiting from abroad, offering a snapshot of what's currently happening at the edge of Czech movement and visual theatre.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Alfred ve dvoře? The theatre was founded in 1997 by Ctibor Turba, a mime artist, director, choreographer and teacher, one of the key figures of Czech pantomime.

Where exactly is the theatre located? In Prague 7, on the edge of Holešovice, on Františka Křížka street, inside the inner courtyard of a residential block.

Does the theatre have its own acting company? No — since 2001, when the Motus association took over running the venue, Alfred ve dvoře has operated as a host stage, lending its space to different artistic groups rather than maintaining a permanent ensemble.

What kind of programme can visitors expect? Mostly non-verbal, movement-based and visual performances — physical theatre, pantomime and experimental author projects by both Czech and international artists.

What's distinctive about the building's architecture? Its garden-pavilion form, purpose-built for theatre use — a rarity among Prague's 20th-century performance venues.