Comédie Claude Volter

Comédie Claude Volter is a neighbourhood theatre in the municipality of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, on the eastern edge of Brussels, known to local audiences for more than sixty years as a place where classic French-language drama meets lighter comedy programming.

Who founded the theatre and why?

The venue was established in 1957 by the actor Claude Volter together with his wife, actress Jacqueline Bir. It was created in cooperation with the Woluwe-Saint-Pierre municipal authorities, with the explicit goal of bringing classical theatre programming within reach of local residents without requiring a trip into central Brussels. Claude Volter ran the theatre himself until his death in 2002, at the age of 69. The stage carries his name in tribute, and since 2003 artistic and organisational direction has been in the hands of Michel de Warzée, who has continued the programming line set by the founder.

What does the building look like inside?

The theatre is located at Avenue des Frères Legrain 98, in a quiet, residential part of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. The complex includes a main auditorium seating 165 people and a smaller foyer space that can hold up to 90 spectators. The foyer is used for more intimate performances, readings, and side events that complement the main programme, letting the theatre run two parallel strands: full productions on the main stage and smaller-scale shows in the secondary space.

What kind of plays are staged here?

The programming at Comédie Claude Volter combines major titles from the French-language classical repertoire with comedies of manners and plays built around historical themes. The theatre aims for accessibility, targeting a broad, family-oriented audience rather than a narrow circle of drama specialists. Its seasons mix works by classical authors with lighter, contemporary comedies, a combination designed to draw in spectators of different ages and tastes.

What happened for the theatre's 50th anniversary?

In 2007, to mark the theatre's fiftieth anniversary, an exhibition dedicated to the history of Comédie Claude Volter was organised in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. The exhibition traced the venue's path from its modest beginnings in the 1950s, through the years under its founder's direction, to its continuation under later artistic directors. The anniversary event underlined the theatre's standing as one of the more significant local cultural institutions in eastern Brussels.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Comédie Claude Volter? The theatre was founded in 1957 by actor Claude Volter and his wife, actress Jacqueline Bir, with support from the Woluwe-Saint-Pierre municipality.

How many seats does the auditorium have? The main hall seats 165 people, with an additional 90 seats in the adjoining foyer.

Who currently directs the theatre? Michel de Warzée has led the theatre since 2003.

What kind of repertoire does the theatre offer? A mix of classic French-language plays, comedies of manners, and historically themed works aimed at a broad audience.

Where exactly is the theatre located? At Avenue des Frères Legrain 98, in the municipality of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, in eastern Brussels.