To spot the Bolek Polívka Theater, look straight ahead for a wide, grey stone building with three grand arched wooden doorways, and a sign above the center entrance that says “Divadlo Bolka Polívky”-there’s even a cheeky sculpted face keeping watch over the doorway.
Now, while you’re standing here, imagine yourself surrounded by the kind of magical chaos that only live theater can offer-because this place has drama, laughter, and maybe a few runaway juggling pins in its soul. The Bolek Polívka Theater isn’t just any stage; it’s a home for wild creativity, thanks to its founder, the famous actor and mime Boleslav Polívka, who has been making audiences laugh and think here since 1993. The theater originally opened its doors with the raucous play “Podivné odpoledne Dr. Zvonka Burkeho,” a story so absurd it makes even the oddest family gathering seem normal-imagine a man so attached to his flat that people keep disappearing into cupboards!
But let’s wind the story back. This building on Jakubské square has worn many hats since the 1940s: it’s hosted Svobodné divadlo, Městské oblastní divadlo, Divadlo bratří Mrštíků, and the cheeky Satirické divadlo Večerní Brno, which brought sharp-witted humor to tough times. For a while, this place was even connected to the Scala cinema next door with a secret hallway-picture actors sneaking snacks from the movie theater during intermission.
When Polívka took over, he brought his signature blend of physical comedy, clowning, and heartfelt acting, much of it adapted from his time at Brno’s legendary Husa na provázku theater. The first seasons were filled with his original shows, including slapstick duels between jesters and queens, tragicomic desert island tales, and even performances inspired by his own wild life (“For the Lady on the Balcony” was a whole play about chasing one mysterious woman-lucky for you, you only have to chase this tour). And speaking of families, the spirit of mischief has passed through generations: Boleslav shared the stage with his daughter Anna in the play “DNA,” and, turning a fatherly letter into art, wrote the show “The Jester and the Son” for his son Vladimír.
But if you think only Polívka’s brand of mayhem takes the stage here, think again. This theater has always welcomed a parade of guest stars, from legendary Czech troupes like Studio DVA and Divadlo Na zábradlí to talented groups from neighboring countries. There’s even MALÉhRY-the “three-player” company led by three women, sharing real-life stories that range from hilarious to heartstring-tugging (titles like “Vepřo, knedlo, zelo”-named after a pork and dumplings dish-prove nothing is too small or funny for the stage).
And then there’s “Manéž Bolka Polívky,” a variety show mixing acrobats, musicians, and comedians into one dazzling night-never the same twice, never held in just one spot. Sometimes, it’s here. Sometimes, it’s in a giant sports hall. Sometimes, they just pack up the jokes and go on tour to Paris, Vienna, or even Colombia. Once, the laughter even rolled all the way to London, where they performed “The Jester and the Son.”
Even when theater doors close for a summer siesta, you’ll find Polívka’s troupe setting up shop at the Biskupský dvůr outdoor stage, letting the fun spill into the warm air. And every November, for the “Night of Theaters,” they throw the doors wide for all-night clown workshops and mask-making.
Though this original home now also houses an art gallery and the theater’s backstage, the spirit of playfulness is impossible to miss. Before you head on, take a glance up at that sculpted face above the entrance-if it winks at you, don’t worry, you’re not imagining things. At Bolek Polívka Theater, a little nonsense is always in style.
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