Pocket Theater

Théâtre de Poche (the Pocket Theater) is one of Brussels' most distinctive stages, tucked into the greenery of the Bois de la Cambre right at the edge of the forest. The building stands at Chemin du Gymnase 1a, surrounded by trees, giving it an intimate character quite different from the classical theatres found in the city centre.

How did the theatre begin?

Théâtre de Poche was founded in 1951 by Roger Domani and Roland Ravez. From the outset it was conceived as an experimental venture, with its founders searching for new stage forms and daring texts rather than following the conventional repertoire that dominated Brussels stages at the time. This experimental identity defined the theatre for decades, from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Why did the theatre move to the Bois de la Cambre?

A turning point came in 1966. Roger Domani had just returned from three consecutive years in Africa when Roland Mahauden suggested he take over the premises of a former pétanque club, located behind the skating rink his mother ran in the Bois de la Cambre. It was there, on boards laid over still-fresh concrete, that the theatre staged its first performance in the new location: "Insulte au public" ("Offending the Audience") by Peter Handke. The theatre has operated continuously from that same forest-edge site ever since.

What can audiences see at Théâtre de Poche today?

The theatre's programming has shifted over time. While its first decades (1950s–1980s) were marked by experimentation with form and text, since the 1990s Théâtre de Poche has focused primarily on productions addressing contemporary social issues. The venue remains a place where stagecraft meets reflection on present-day society.

What is the venue itself like?

The auditorium seats 237 people, making for an intimate yet fully professional setting that keeps performances close to the audience. A bar forms a natural extension of the foyer, opening either onto an open fire or a terrace overlooking the surrounding forest of the Bois de la Cambre. This blend of architecture and nature means an evening at the theatre begins well before the curtain rises.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Théâtre de Poche located? At Chemin du Gymnase 1a, in the Bois de la Cambre in Brussels, on the site of a former pétanque club adjoining a skating rink.

Since when has the theatre operated at this location? Continuously since 1966, when its first performance there, Peter Handke's "Insulte au public," was staged.

Who founded the theatre, and when? It was founded in 1951 by Roger Domani and Roland Ravez.

How many seats does the auditorium have? The hall seats 237 people.

What kind of repertoire does the theatre present? Since the 1990s it has focused mainly on productions dealing with social issues, following an earlier, more experimental period spanning the 1950s to the 1980s.