Venuše in Švehlovka

Venuše ve Švehlovce is a small, alternative cultural venue set inside a historic hall of the former Švehla student dormitory in Prague's Žižkov district. It works as an intimate theatre stage and, at the same time, as an open platform for a wide range of artistic and community projects.

How did this stage come to be?

The story of Venuše began in 2014, when members of the theatre group Depresivní děti touží po penězích discovered the space and staged their first production there. Since then the hall has become a permanent home for several independent theatre companies, who share it for rehearsals and premieres.

What does the space look like?

The building's character is defined by an Art Deco hall that still reflects the room's original purpose as part of the dormitory. Alongside the main, intimate stage, the venue also includes a rehearsal room used by the resident companies between public performances.

What else happens here besides plays?

Programming at Venuše goes beyond conventional theatre productions. The space regularly hosts experimental performance formats, author-driven evenings, and community-oriented events, setting it apart from Prague's larger, more institutional stages.

Its best-known recurring event is the WILD! festival, held every May. It is the only theatre festival in the Czech Republic entirely dedicated to LGBT+ performative art, making Venuše a notable point on the map of independent queer culture in the region.

Who is this venue for?

Venuše ve Švehlovce mainly attracts audiences looking for off-theatre and experimental performances, with a closer connection to the creators than large repertory houses typically offer. The intimate size of the hall gives every show an almost domestic, close-up feel.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Venuše ve Švehlovce located? The stage is located in Žižkov, inside a historic hall of the former Švehla student dormitory building.

Since when has the venue been operating? Its first production took place in 2014, when the group Depresivní děti touží po penězích adapted the hall for their theatre project.

What architectural style does the hall have? The interior is kept in an Art Deco style that echoes the building's original character as a dormitory.

Is Venuše only a theatre? No — besides theatre productions, the space also hosts other artistic and community events, including the annual WILD! festival.

What is the WILD! festival? It's a festival held every May dedicated to LGBT+ performative art — the only one of its kind in the Czech Republic, taking place at Venuše ve Švehlovce.

Does the building have only one stage? Besides the main performance hall, the venue also includes a rehearsal room used by its resident theatre companies.