Divadlo na Orlí

Divadlo na Orlí (Theatre on Orlí Street) is a modern performance venue in the heart of Brno that doubles as the teaching stage of the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts (JAMU). Standing on Orlí Street, the building fills a gap left in the city block by wartime destruction — a gap that stood empty for decades before architects turned it into a purpose-built theatre.

How did the building come to be?

The theatre design emerged from an open architectural competition held between 2003 and 2009. Brno-based architects Milan Rak and Alena Režná of the ARCHTEAM studio, together with Pavel Rada, won with a concept for a compact, modern structure fitted into the historic street front. The cornerstone was laid on 23 September 2010, and after two years of construction the theatre opened its doors to the public on 24 October 2012.

One notable detail of the build is what lies beneath it: historic cellars that survived from the residential buildings that once stood on the site were preserved and incorporated into the new structure rather than removed, so the modern venue still carries a physical trace of what came before it. The basement also houses a recording studio built as a concrete block mechanically decoupled across two floors of the building, which keeps outside noise from interfering with recordings.

What is the theatre for?

Divadlo na Orlí functions primarily as a teaching stage — a multipurpose unit of JAMU where students complete the practical part of their studies before entering professional careers. The building is equipped with high-end stage, lighting and sound technology so students can train in conditions matching current international standards. Its main focus is student musical theatre, particularly opera and musicals, though the programme also includes straight drama. The auditorium holds up to around 150 people, depending on the seating configuration used for a given production.

What can visitors see there?

Because the programme is built around the academic calendar, the repertoire changes from season to season as new cohorts of JAMU music and drama students prepare their productions. Visitors can expect a mix of classic opera and musical titles alongside more experimental staged works that combine singing, movement and drama. New premieres are announced regularly as students move through their training.

Where is it located?

The theatre sits right in Brno's historic centre on Orlí Street, close to other cultural venues and within easy walking distance of the city's main sights, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring downtown Brno.

Frequently asked questions

Is Divadlo na Orlí a professional theatre company? Not in the traditional sense — it is a teaching stage of JAMU where academy students perform, though the technical standard of the productions matches professional venues.

When was the building constructed? Construction began after the cornerstone was laid in September 2010, and the theatre opened to the public in October 2012.

What kind of shows does it stage? Mostly musical theatre productions — opera and musicals performed by students — alongside some dramatic works, with the programme changing each season.

Does the building preserve any historical elements? Yes — historic cellars from the pre-war buildings that previously stood on the site were kept and built into the new structure.