The Théâtre de la Bastille, not to be confused with the neighbouring Opéra Bastille, is one of the most important experimental stages in France and for decades a discovery venue for young dramaturgs and international avant-garde. The house, founded in 1980 in a former cinema, has two halls with around 300 seats total and is located in the lively Bastille quarter of the 11th arrondissement. Under the long-standing directorship of Jean-Marie Hordé (1989-2019) and since 2019 of Isabelle Gentet-Ravasco, the house established itself as co-producer for the experimental European scene — Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Jan Lauwers, Pascal Rambert, Frédéric Fisbach, and Maguy Marin have worked here regularly. The house is known for its serious engagement with contemporary dramaturgy and for an audience of younger Parisian theatre enthusiasts who discover works here before they reach larger houses.
Unlike the Opéra Bastille a few streets away, this theatre has no visible signage at street level — visitors often find it only by following the audience that gathers shortly before the performance at an unassuming door.
At a glance
- Type
- Theatre
- Location
- Paris, France
- Address
- 76 Rue de la Roquette, 75011
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