BRONKS

BRONKS is a theatre for young audiences located in the historical centre of Brussels, and one of the city's key institutions dedicated to performing arts for children and teenagers. Its name is an acronym of "BRussel ONderwijs Kunst Kinderen Samenleving" (Brussels Education Art Children Society), a phrase that captures the organisation's core mission: combining education with professional stage art made specifically for young audiences.

How did BRONKS come into being?

The theatre was founded in 1991 by Oda Van Neygen, who had been programming youth theatre at Beursschouwburg since 1976. When that youth programme outgrew its host venue, Van Neygen decided to establish an independent institution focused solely on theatre for children and teenagers. That decision gave rise to BRONKS.

What were the early years like?

For years the company had no permanent home and led what is often described as a "nomadic" existence, staging productions across a range of Brussels venues, including the Palais des Beaux-Arts, De Markten and De Kriekelaar. Despite lacking a fixed address, BRONKS quickly earned a reputation as a driving force for innovation on the youth theatre scene, consistently favouring bold and experimental programming over safe, conventional fare.

When was the current building built?

The decision to commission a permanent building came in 2002 from the Flemish Community Commission of the Brussels-Capital Region. Construction ran from 2006 to 2009. The theatre was built in the historical heart of the city, in a neighbourhood that had grown rundown over the decades, so the project also carried a role in the area's wider regeneration. The building was designed by architects Martine De Maeseneer and Dirk Van den Brande. Its most distinctive feature is a glazed street-facing facade that underlines the public character of the institution and lets passers-by see straight into the interior — rather than sealing itself off, the building opens itself to the city around it.

What does BRONKS actually do?

The organisation combines two roles at once: it is both a stage presenting performances and an educational hub running workshops and outreach activities for children and adolescents. That dual identity sets BRONKS apart from a conventional repertory theatre — here, performing arts function as a tool for cultural education, not merely entertainment.

Which productions brought BRONKS its biggest recognition?

Among its most celebrated works is "Ola Pola Potloodgat" by Pascale Platel and Randi De Vlieghe, staged in 2001 and awarded, among other prizes, the Grote Theaterfestivalprijs. Genuine international recognition arrived later, in 2016, with "Wij/Zij" ("Us/Them"), directed by Carly Wijs, which went on to achieve success well beyond Belgium's borders.

Frequently asked questions

Is BRONKS only for children? The core repertoire targets children and teenagers, but the programme also includes educational activities aimed at teachers and families.

Where exactly is the theatre located? In the historical centre of Brussels, inside a distinctive glass-fronted building designed specifically for the institution.

Since when has BRONKS existed? The organisation has run its artistic programme since 1991, while its current home opened in 2009.