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Origin and history

The Théâtre des Deux Ânes is a Parisian theatre built in 1922 at 100 boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement. With a capacity of 300 seats, it continues the tradition of Montmartre cabarets, mixing satirical songs and political humour. Its Art Deco facade, made of iron and neon-enhanced sheet metal, and its room decorated with panels painted by Zig Brunner, illustrating the history of donkeys through the arts, have been inscribed in historical monuments since 1991. The theatre has been directed since 1995 by the comedian Jacques Mailhot, who re-launched the current affairs magazine.

Before 1922, the site housed several ephemeral settlements, often renamed by their owners. In 1910, the cabaret La Truie, opened by a certain Stein, went bankrupt and was named Tavern of the Truands and then Cabaret of the Spider, known for its facade adorned with a spider in high relief. These places, inspired by the eccentric cabarets of Montmartre, such as Le Ciel or L的Enfer, promise strong emotions but close quickly. Under the direction of Maurice Millereau (known as Mérall), the cabaret became Le Porc-épic and welcomed young talents such as Pierre Dac and Gaston Gabaroche.

From 1914 to 1922, the place changed its name and vocation several times again: L In 1922, journalists André Dahl and Roger Ferréol, supported by Le Merle Blanc, entrusted architect Charles Million with the construction of a new theatre. Dahl, seeking a name, exclaims: "To find nothing, must we be two donkeys!", thus giving his definitive identity to the place. The motto "Brief and let laugh" sums up his mind.

In 1928, Alibert took over the direction of the theatre, which welcomed famous singers such as Pierre Dac, René Dorin or Jean Poiret. In 1995, Jacques Mailhot revived the theatre with news reviews and emerging talents such as Laurent Gerra, Michel Guidoni or Florence Brunold. In 2010, the theatre joined the Associated Parisian Theatres, a network of private theatres. In 2013, the show Flamby le Magnifique brought together on stage figures such as Jacques Mailhot and Jean Roucas, confirming his status as a temple of Parisian humour.

The facade and theatre, characteristic of Art Deco and neo-provencal style, have been protected since 1991. The painted panels of Zig Brunner, tracing the history of donkey in the arts, and the decorated proscenium make it a unique place. Theatre remains a symbol of Montmartre culture, combining historical heritage and contemporary creation.

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