Divadlo Na Prádle

Divadlo Na Prádle is a small, intimate theatre in Prague's Malá Strana district, tucked away on the quiet Besední street just a short walk from Kampa Island and the Vltava riverbank. Its name comes from the nearby Church of St. John the Baptist "Na Prádle," which also gave the surrounding neighbourhood its historical name. The venue combines a theatre, a gallery, and a café, making it a compact but distinctive cultural hub right in the heart of the city.

How did this venue begin its story?

The building now housing the theatre belonged from 1926 to the Umělecká beseda, an artists' association that established its new headquarters here. A year later, in the spring of 1927, the same space became home to the avant-garde Dada stage, led by Jiří Frejka and Emil František Burian. The opening production took place on 9 April 1927 - Jean Cocteau's play "The Wedding on the Eiffel Tower," accompanied by music from Jaroslav Ježek. Just ten days later, on 19 April, the theatre's basement hall hosted the memorable premiere of the Vest Pocket Revue by the duo Voskovec and Werich, an event that became a landmark in the history of Czech avant-garde theatre.

When was today's Divadlo Na Prádle established?

The theatre in its present form began operating in early 2001. Its activity was interrupted in the summer of 2002 when a catastrophic flood struck Prague, severely damaging many riverside buildings, including theatre spaces in Malá Strana. Following extensive reconstruction, the theatre reopened in 2003 and has operated continuously as an active cultural venue ever since.

What does the current programme include?

Divadlo Na Prádle builds its programme around variety - staging productions from both professional and amateur companies, alongside performances aimed at younger audiences. Beyond theatrical productions, the venue hosts intimate concerts of classical and popular music, film screenings, art exhibitions, and literary café gatherings. This multi-purpose approach draws both drama enthusiasts and visitors looking for low-key cultural events away from Prague's busiest tourist routes.

Why is it worth a visit?

Divadlo Na Prádle is a place where the history of Czech artistic avant-garde intertwines with the city's living contemporary cultural scene. For anyone interested in experimental theatre and the history of Czech stage art, it holds real significance - some of the most groundbreaking productions of the interwar avant-garde were born right here. At the same time, today's varied programme keeps the theatre a genuinely active meeting place rather than merely a relic of the past.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Divadlo Na Prádle located? The theatre is situated in Malá Strana, Prague 1, on Besední street, close to Kampa Island and the Vltava riverbank.

Where does the theatre's name come from? The name derives from the nearby Church of St. John the Baptist "Na Prádle," which also lent its name to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Is this theatre only for adult audiences? No - the programme also includes performances for children, alongside professional and amateur productions aimed at adult audiences.

How long has this venue been culturally active? The building has served cultural purposes since the 1920s, though today's Divadlo Na Prádle in its current form has operated since 2001, with an interruption caused by the 2002 flood and subsequent reconstruction until 2003.