Czech Theatre at the Lower Side in the Kajetán House, 19th century theatre in Malá Strana, Czech Republic
The Czech Theatre at the Lower Side occupied the former refectory of the Theatine monastery in the Kajetán House on Nerudova Street in Malá Strana. A low wooden stage was erected in the long hall, which was fitted with 80 seats and space for up to 100 standing spectators.
The Kajetánské divadlo was founded at the end of 1833 by pharmacist Jan Dobromil Arbeiter and Josef Kajetán Tyl, and its first performance took place on 27 July 1834. The troupe initially lacked official permission to play in Czech. Its activity ended after an official ban in 1837, during Metternich's absolutism.
The venue became an important space for promoting the Czech language and national identity during a period of cultural transformation. Performances here represented the growing presence of Czech culture in the city's artistic life.
The venue sits in the heart of Malá Strana near several historical sights and landmarks within walking distance. Visitors should plan to arrive early to appreciate the small, intimate nature of the space and its surroundings.
The opening performance on 27 July 1834 was August von Kotzebue's one-act play "Tři otcové najednou"; guests included František Palacký, František Ladislav Čelakovský and Václav Hanka. Over its four-year existence the stage saw 25 productions, mostly by Czech dramatists such as Václav Kliment Klicpera, J. K. Tyl and Jan Nepomuk Štěpánek, alongside translations of Shakespeare and other world authors.
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