Théâtre de l'Épée de Bois – an independent stage at the Cartoucherie, Paris

Théâtre de l'Épée de Bois is an independent theatre housed at the Cartoucherie, a former munitions factory tucked inside the Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.

Where does the name come from?

The company started out in the 5th arrondissement, at the corner of rue de l'Épée-de-Bois and rue Mouffetard, run from 1969 by Antonio Díaz-Florián. After that original venue was destroyed by fire in 1971, the troupe regrouped as "Atelier de l'Épée de Bois" and, in 1972, moved to the Cartoucherie in the Bois de Vincennes, joining the cluster of stages already forming there around Ariane Mnouchkine's company. The theatre kept the name of its original street even after relocating.

What is the Cartoucherie?

The Cartoucherie was originally a military cartridge factory. It was later converted into a small cluster of independent theatres scattered among the trees of the Bois de Vincennes. Théâtre de l'Épée de Bois is one of several stages sharing the site, each with its own company, its own audience and its own programme — making the Cartoucherie one of the more unusual spots on the Paris theatre map, well outside the city's traditional playhouses.

What's on the programme?

The theatre stages contemporary productions created by its own company alongside shows brought in by guest troupes. The line-up changes by season, so checking the current schedule on the theatre's own website before planning a visit is worthwhile.

How do you get to Théâtre de l'Épée de Bois?

The address is Route du Champ de Manoeuvre, 75012 Paris. The easiest route is metro line 1 to Château de Vincennes, then exit 6, where a free shuttle bus runs straight to the Cartoucherie. Bus line 112 is an alternative, stopping directly at "Cartoucherie". Because the site sits deep inside the Bois de Vincennes, arriving by car means a longer walk from the nearest parking area.

When should you visit?

Since the Cartoucherie groups several independent stages together, a visit is best planned around a specific performance date — programming and show times shift with the artistic season. Pairing the visit with a walk through the Bois de Vincennes, before or after the show, rounds out the trip nicely, especially in warmer months.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Théâtre de l'Épée de Bois located? At the Cartoucherie, inside the Bois de Vincennes, at Route du Champ de Manoeuvre, 75012 Paris, in the city's 12th arrondissement.

What's the best way to get there without a car? Take metro line 1 to Château de Vincennes, exit 6, then the free shuttle bus to the Cartoucherie. Bus line 112, stop "Cartoucherie", also works.

How is it different from the other theatres at the Cartoucherie? It's one of several independent stages sharing the former factory site, each running its own company and its own programme of contemporary work, distinct from its neighbours.

Where does the theatre's name come from? From its original home in the 5th arrondissement, at the corner of rue de l'Épée-de-Bois and rue Mouffetard, before the company relocated to the Cartoucherie in 1972 after the original building was destroyed.