Divadlo Ponec

Divadlo Ponec is a Prague venue dedicated to contemporary dance and movement theatre, located in the Žižkov district (Prague 3). The building originally housed a cinema, and in 1998 the organization Tanec Praha won a public competition to repurpose the space for the arts. That decision created the first permanent stage in the Czech Republic built specifically for contemporary dance.

What does Divadlo Ponec do?

The venue functions as an open platform for the independent dance scene, welcoming both Czech and international artists. Each season Ponec co-produces roughly seven to ten premieres, and it also acts as lead producer for selected international projects. The theatre is equipped with a professional technical team and advanced stage lighting, allowing it to host anything from intimate solo pieces to larger ensemble works.

Artists can also apply for creative residencies at Ponec, using the stage and technical support to finish productions before they open to the public.

Who runs the theatre?

Divadlo Ponec is operated by Tanec Praha z.ú. under a lease agreement with the Prague 3 district. Its programming is supported financially by the City of Prague, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, and other institutional partners. Since 2015, Ponec has been a member of the European Dancehouse Network (EDN), a group of leading European dance venues — a membership that reflects its standing within the continent's contemporary dance scene.

Why visit Divadlo Ponec?

For anyone interested in contemporary and experimental performing arts, Ponec is one of the more distinctive stops in Prague. Unlike the city's grand opera houses or classical ballet stages, its program leans into artistic experimentation, new movement vocabularies, and international collaboration. Visitors can often catch young choreographers here before their work reaches larger European festivals.

The theatre's intimate hall puts the audience close to the performers, a very different experience from watching dance in a large opera house. The repertoire changes seasonally, so it's worth checking the current schedule before planning a visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Divadlo Ponec only for contemporary dance connoisseurs? No — the program is accessible to general audiences, though visitors looking for classical ballet or traditional drama may prefer other Prague stages.

Where exactly is the theatre located? In Žižkov, one of Prague's more alternative and artistic neighborhoods, known for its clubs, galleries, and small cultural venues.

Does the theatre host international events? Yes, Ponec regularly co-produces and presents international projects, and its membership in the European Dancehouse Network supports collaboration with other European dance venues.

How many premieres does Ponec stage each year? The theatre typically co-produces between seven and ten premieres per season, alongside guest performances and residency projects.