Théâtre du Chaudron

Théâtre du Chaudron is one of five independent stages housed at La Cartoucherie, a former munitions works in the Bois de Vincennes on the eastern edge of Paris's 12th arrondissement.

What is this venue, exactly?

La Cartoucherie is a former cartridge factory that Ariane Mnouchkine began turning into a hub for experimental theatre in 1970. The building now known as the Chaudron started hosting performances in autumn 1972 as the Atelier du Chaudron, set up by Tanith Noble, who had ties to New York's Bread and Puppet Theatre. It took its current name, Théâtre du Chaudron, in 1992. Regulars know it by its trademark red-painted interior walls, almost as much a signature of the place as the shows themselves.

What kind of shows can you expect?

The programming here leans toward young companies, many of them led by women directors, alongside circus arts projects. Contemporary dance has had a firm place on the bill since 2011, sitting next to more traditional drama. The venue also hosts concerts and film screenings between theatrical runs, so the calendar shifts by season — check the current listings before planning a visit. This is a small, experimental stage rather than a venue built for big commercial productions.

How do you get there?

The easiest route is by metro: take line 1 to Château de Vincennes, then follow exit 4 (Fort neuf / gare routière). From there, a free shuttle bus runs to the Cartoucherie — it starts an hour before curtain and passes the metro stop roughly every 15 minutes, with the last departure toward the theatre 15 minutes before the show starts. After the performance, the shuttle keeps running back to the metro for about an hour. Bus line 112 is another option, stopping at the "Cartoucherie" stop every 20 minutes (fare zone 3). On foot, it's about a 20-minute walk along the route de la Pyramide toward the Parc Floral, then the route du Champ-de-Manœuvre.

When should you plan your visit?

Performances typically run in the evening, so it's worth arriving with time to spare, especially if you're relying on the shuttle — it can get crowded right before showtime. La Cartoucherie is a cluster of five theatres, including the Théâtre du Soleil, Théâtre de la Tempête, Théâtre de l'Épée de Bois and Théâtre de l'Aquarium alongside the Chaudron, so if you're heading out to the Bois de Vincennes for the evening, it's worth checking what's on at the neighboring stages too — some visitors combine a show with a walk through the woods before or after.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Théâtre du Chaudron located? On the route du Champ-de-Manœuvre, inside La Cartoucherie complex in the Bois de Vincennes, 12th arrondissement — a short ride from the Château de Vincennes metro station.

Can you get there without a car? Yes, easily — take metro line 1 to Château de Vincennes and continue by free shuttle or bus 112. Walking takes around 20 minutes.

Is Théâtre du Chaudron the only stage at La Cartoucherie? No — it's one of five independent theatres sharing the former munitions site, alongside venues such as the Théâtre du Soleil.

What makes this theatre's programming distinctive? Its focus on young companies, circus projects, and contemporary dance (part of the lineup since 2011), programmed alongside conventional drama.