TJP, Strasbourg National Drama Centre
The TJP is Strasbourg's national drama centre with young audiences and puppetry at the heart of its work. Founded in 1974 as the Théâtre Jeune Public, it performs in two venues: the Petite Scène in Petite France and the Grande Scène in the Krutenau. A good address for a family show or an inventive piece of theatre.
From children's theatre to national drama centre
The TJP was founded in Strasbourg in 1974 by André Pomarat as the Théâtre Jeune Public, and he ran it until 1997. Over the decades it earned the status of national drama centre, making it one of the region's key public theatres. It remains one of the few national drama centres in France to put young audiences and puppetry at the centre of its work, while addressing all audiences.
Puppets and the Giboulées
André Pomarat also created the festival Les Giboulées de la marionnette, which became one of the theatre's highlights. Puppetry is understood in the broadest sense: objects, images, bodies in motion, visual forms that speak to children and adults alike. Today the season is built around highlights such as the season opening, the Micro Giboulées and Génération Seishun. Details and recommended ages are on each show's page.
Two stages, two districts
The Petite Scène is at 1 rue du Pont Saint-Martin, in the heart of Petite France, and also houses the box office, open Tuesday to Friday from 2 pm to 5.30 pm and one hour before each show. The Grande Scène is at 7 rue des Balayeurs, in the Krutenau, a lively district east of the centre. Check on your ticket which venue your show is in before setting off.
A theatre led by a choreographer
Today the TJP is led by the dancer and choreographer Kaori Ito and is called the Centre dramatique national Strasbourg - Grand Est. Her arrival strengthens the place of the body and movement in the programme, alongside puppetry. The venue is also a creative space hosting workshops and collectives. For audiences, it promises visual shows that are often enjoyable without perfect French.
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
Where are the TJP's venues?
The Petite Scène is at 1 rue du Pont Saint-Martin, in Petite France, and the Grande Scène at 7 rue des Balayeurs, in the Krutenau.
Are the shows only for children?
No. Young audiences are at the heart of the project, but the programme is also for adults. Check each show's page on the TJP website to see who it is aimed at.
How do you book?
Online on the TJP website, by phone on +33 3 88 35 70 10, or at the Petite Scène box office, open Tuesday to Friday from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.
What pairs well with an outing to the TJP?
For the Petite Scène, a stroll through Petite France to the Ponts Couverts. For the Grande Scène, a drink or a meal in the Krutenau, a lively student district.
