Théâtre de l'Opprimé

Théâtre de l'Opprimé is a small independent theatre in Paris, tucked into a quiet stretch of the 12th arrondissement, a short walk from Théâtre 13 and Théâtre Dunois.

Where does the name come from?

The name refers to the "Theatre of the Oppressed," a method developed in the 1970s in Latin America by Brazilian director Augusto Boal. Boal wanted theatre to become a tool for marginalised communities — a space where they could tell their own stories and rehearse ways of pushing back against oppression. Boal himself founded this Paris venue, which opened its doors in 1996 and has carried his approach forward ever since.

How do you get there?

The theatre sits at 78-80 Rue du Charolais, in an easy-to-reach part of the 12th arrondissement not far from Gare de Lyon. It shares the neighbourhood with two other independent stages, Théâtre 13 and Théâtre Dunois, so a visit here pairs naturally with a wider tour of Paris's fringe theatre scene.

What will you find inside?

The venue is intimate: the main hall seats just 90 people in a frontal layout, keeping every seat close to the stage. Before the show, it's worth stopping in the reception hall, where a bar opens an hour before and after each performance — a natural spot for meeting other theatregoers and talking through what you've just seen, a feature typical of Paris's small independent stages.

What's on the programme?

The theatre's line-up favours contemporary writing and young, still-forming companies, making it both a workshop for new work and a stage for presenting it to the public. The programme changes with the season, so it's worth checking the current schedule on the theatre's website or a ticketing platform before planning a visit.

When should you visit?

2026 marks a milestone: the theatre is celebrating 30 years since its 1996 opening. At the same time, its future is far from settled — in 2025 it lost its entire annual operating grant of €38,000, funding it had received without interruption since opening from the regional culture authority DRAC Île-de-France. For visitors, that's one more reason to back an independent stage by booking a ticket to one of its current productions — every seat sold now genuinely matters to the venue's survival.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Théâtre de l'Opprimé? It was founded by Brazilian director Augusto Boal, creator of the "Theatre of the Oppressed" method developed in Latin America in the 1970s.

How many seats does the theatre have? The main hall is small, seating 90 people in a frontal arrangement.

Where exactly is the theatre located? At 78-80 Rue du Charolais, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, close to Théâtre 13, Théâtre Dunois, and Gare de Lyon.

Is it worth checking the programme before visiting? Yes — the line-up changes seasonally and focuses on contemporary writing and young companies, so the current offering can vary quite a bit, and it's worth booking tickets ahead of time.