Theater Krakeel

Theater Krakeel is an amateur theatre company based in the Gentbrugge district of Ghent, at Teaterstraat 33. The group was founded in 1982 by a group of people who, after finishing their academy training in acting, wanted to keep making theatre — but on their own terms, away from the conventions of classical, institutional stages. Since then, Krakeel has operated continuously, building a loyal local audience and a name recognised well beyond its own neighbourhood.

What does Theater Krakeel do?

The company develops its own theatrical productions, staged regularly during the season in its venue on Teaterstraat. Past and recent productions include titles such as "Machinaal," "Wildernis," "Opstand," "Mouchette," "Peupeur," and "Moodswings" — works that blend drama with contemporary and social themes typical of independent, non-professional theatre. Ticket prices are generally modest, in the range of a dozen or so euros, keeping the programme accessible to a broad audience rather than just theatre insiders.

What role does Krakeel play in Ghent's cultural scene?

Theater Krakeel collaborates with VZW GAMA, an organisation that brings together more than 25 amateur actors from ten different theatre groups active in Ghent. Through this partnership, Krakeel functions not only as an individual company but as a node in a wider network of amateur theatre across the city, supporting shared projects and the exchange of experience between local creators. This gives the venue a significance that extends beyond its own stage, making it a reference point for the city's non-professional theatre scene as a whole.

Who is this place for?

Theater Krakeel is aimed primarily at people interested in alternative and independent culture — those looking for theatre closer to experiment and community than to the big repertory stages. It is also a worthwhile stop for visitors to Ghent who want to experience the city's cultural life beyond the well-trodden path of the historic centre's monuments. Gentbrugge, a district east of the old town, offers a glimpse of a more residential, less touristic side of the city.

How to get to Theater Krakeel?

The theatre is located at Teaterstraat 33 in Gentbrugge (postal code 9050), easily reached from central Ghent by public transport. Current programming and ticket sales are handled through the krakeel.be website and Flemish cultural platforms such as UiTinVlaanderen.

Frequently asked questions

Is Theater Krakeel a professional theatre? No — it is an amateur company, founded in 1982 by people who had completed academy training in acting but chose an independent path away from classical, professional stages.

Where exactly is the theatre located? At Teaterstraat 33 in Gentbrugge, a district of Ghent with postal code 9050.

What kind of productions can be seen there? The repertoire changes seasonally — past productions have included titles such as "Machinaal," "Wildernis," "Opstand," and "Moodswings."

Does the theatre collaborate with other groups? Yes, through VZW GAMA, a network bringing together more than 25 amateur actors from ten theatre groups across Ghent.