Divadlo Petra Bezruče

Divadlo Petra Bezruče is one of the most recognizable theatre stages in Ostrava, known for its bold repertoire and a long-standing connection with younger audiences. The theatre has operated continuously since the mid-1940s and has spent decades building a reputation as a stage unafraid to experiment while maintaining a high artistic standard.

How did the theatre's history begin?

The roots of the stage go back to the Protectorate era, when an amateur theatre called Lidové divadlo „Kytice" operated in Ostrava. After the war, on 1 December 1945, an unofficial premiere took place with the play "Jak Honza učil se bát" ("How Honza Learned to Be Afraid"), followed by the official opening on 13 December 1945 with Viktor Dyk's play "Ondřej a drak" — this date is considered the formal beginning of the theatre in its current form. After the nationalization of theatres in 1948, the institution was renamed Divadlo mladých (Municipal Theatre of Youth), and only since 1957 has it operated under its present name, Divadlo Petra Bezruče, honoring the Czech poet Petr Bezruč.

What makes the theatre's repertoire distinctive?

From the outset, the stage stood apart from Ostrava's "large" municipal theatre through a different repertoire profile, aimed primarily at younger audiences. In its early years, the company consisted mostly of amateur performers; a professional acting ensemble only emerged in the early 1950s. This tradition of working with a bold, often socially engaged repertoire has continued to this day and remains one of the theatre's defining traits.

Where is the theatre located today?

The theatre's home has changed several times over the decades. In 1961, the company moved into what was then a modern building belonging to the Vítkovice House of Culture (today the House of Culture of the City of Ostrava). Another relocation followed in 1990, when the theatre took over a nearby building on 28. října street, previously known as "Blaník," which had earlier served as the theatre's administrative building. Divadlo Petra Bezruče still operates from this location today.

What recent achievements has the theatre had?

Under the artistic leadership of Jan Holec, working alongside dramaturge Peter Galdík and director Filip Krejčí, the theatre has experienced a period of clear artistic growth. This work was recognized in 2024 with the Theatre of the Year award, presented as part of the Czech theatre critics' awards — one of the most significant honors in the Czech theatre scene, confirming that this Ostrava stage now ranks among the country's leading theatres.

Frequently asked questions

When was Divadlo Petra Bezruče founded? It began unofficially on 1 December 1945, with the official premiere of "Ondřej a drak" following on 13 December 1945. It has carried its current name since 1957.

Where does the theatre's name come from? The theatre is named after Petr Bezruč, one of the most important Czech poets, closely associated with the Cieszyn Silesia region and the Ostrava area.

Where is the theatre located now? Since 1990, the theatre has been housed in a building on 28. října street in Ostrava, formerly known as "Blaník."

Who is the repertoire aimed at? While historically oriented toward younger audiences, the repertoire today combines bold, ambitious productions with programming for a broad adult audience as well.

Has the theatre won any awards? Yes — in 2024 it received the Theatre of the Year title, awarded as part of the Czech theatre critics' awards.