Divadlo Bolka Polívky

Divadlo Bolka Polívky (Bolek Polívka Theatre) is one of the most distinctive theatre stages in Brno, built entirely around the artistic persona of Czech actor, mime and clown Boleslav "Bolek" Polívka. The theatre opened its first season on 17 September 1993 with Polívka's own play "Trosečník" ("The Castaway"), staged at the time in a building on Jakubské náměstí. The location was not chosen at random — it had previously housed the satirical Divadlo Večerní Brno, which closed down in 1992, and the new stage effectively continued that space's theatrical tradition.

Where does the theatre's identity come from?

From the very start, the theatre's programme was built around the work of Boleslav Polívka, an actor known throughout the Czech Republic for a highly personal style blending mime, clowning and author-driven theatre. Many of the plays performed here originated during his earlier years at Brno's legendary Divadlo Husa na provázku, and Polívka carried part of that creative legacy over to the new venue that today bears his name.

What is in the repertoire?

The theatre's programme has long rested on two pillars. The first consists of Polívka's own authorial plays, such as "Šašek a královna" ("The Jester and the Queen") and "Don Quijote" — pieces where clowning and improvisation intertwine with a deeper reflection on the human condition. The second pillar covers productions created in collaboration with other companies and artists, including "Pro dámu na balkoně" ("For the Lady on the Balcony"), "Garderobiér" ("The Dresser") and "Mínus dva" ("Minus Two"). The theatre also co-organizes "Manéž Bolka Polívky," a well-regarded cycle of events that brings together various forms of stage expression, from cabaret-style performances to direct encounters with the audience.

Where are performances held today?

The building that originally housed the theatre has had a complicated history. In 2023, due to the poor structural condition of the former Scala cinema building, the company was forced to temporarily relocate its operations to the Sál Břetislava Bakaly on Žerotínovo náměstí in Brno. Most performances currently take place there, although the theatre remains closely associated in the public mind with its original city-centre home.

Why is it worth a visit?

Divadlo Bolka Polívky is more than just another stage — it is an institution that has shaped Brno's cultural life for over three decades. For visitors looking for theatre rooted in a highly personal, author-driven vision rather than a conventional repertoire, this is a genuinely distinctive place. The combination of humour, physical stage poetry and often bittersweet reflection on human nature draws both loyal local audiences and travellers visiting Brno who want to experience Czech theatre in one of its most original, less conventional forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Divadlo Bolka Polívky founded? The theatre began operating on 17 September 1993 with the premiere of "Trosečník."

Where do performances take place today? Since 2023, because of the poor structural condition of the original building, performances have been staged at the Sál Břetislava Bakaly on Žerotínovo náměstí in Brno.

What kind of repertoire does the theatre present? Mainly Boleslav Polívka's own authorial plays (such as "Šašek a královna" and "Don Quijote"), alongside productions created together with other theatre companies, like "Garderobiér" and "Mínus dva."

What is "Manéž Bolka Polívky"? It is a cycle of events co-organized by the theatre, combining different forms of artistic expression built around Boleslav Polívka.