Théâtre du Temps

Théâtre du Temps is a small, intimate theatre in Paris's 11th arrondissement, tucked away on rue du Morvan just a few minutes from Place Voltaire. Its stone walls and modern spatial-sound technology make it one of the more distinctive addresses on the city's independent theatre scene.

How to get there?

The venue sits at 9 rue du Morvan, 75011 Paris. The easiest route is metro line 9 to Voltaire station, about a five-minute walk away. Rue Saint-Maur (line 3) and Père Lachaise (lines 2 and 3) are also within walking distance, and several bus lines serve the neighbourhood as well.

What will you see?

Théâtre du Temps was founded in 1980 by Junji Fuseya and Miguel-Angel Lopez. For two decades it was the only stage in France entirely devoted to Japanese theatre, staging classical forms such as kabuki and nô and bridging traditional Far Eastern performance with Western stagecraft — a rare meeting point between such distant theatrical traditions in Europe.

Since 2007, under Mickaël Sabbah and his Compagnie Anànkë, the theatre has shifted toward contemporary, interdisciplinary creation, hosting productions that combine text, music, dance and image, with a focus on experimental work and living authors. Between 2018 and 2022 the space underwent an acoustic renovation and had a spatial sound system installed, making it one of the first venues in France equipped with such advanced live-performance audio technology.

The main hall seats 50 people, and its interior — bare old stone walls paired with hand-carved wooden benches — keeps an intimate, workshop-like feel rarely found in Paris's larger theatres. That scale encourages close contact between audience and stage, well suited to the venue's more immersive productions.

When to visit?

The programme changes seasonally, so it's worth checking the current listings before a visit — the space also hosts artist residencies and workshops alongside its regular shows. Given the limited seating, booking ahead is advisable, especially for premieres and special events.

Frequently asked questions

What was Théâtre du Temps originally? For two decades after opening in 1980, it was the only Japanese theatre in France, staging forms such as kabuki and nô.

How do you get to the theatre? The nearest metro stop is Voltaire (line 9), about a five-minute walk away; Rue Saint-Maur and Père Lachaise stations are also nearby.

How many seats does the hall have? The main hall seats 50, giving performances an intimate, close-up feel.

What is the theatre's focus today? Since 2007, under Compagnie Anànkë, it has been a stage for contemporary, interdisciplinary work combining theatre, music, dance and spatial sound technology.