Tartu New Theatre announces four productions for 19th season

Tartu New Theatre will stage four new productions in its 19th season, with premieres by Kirill Havanski, Rene Liivamäe, Ivar Põllu and Ringo Ramul, ERR reported.

Havanski’s performance-based production “Where Do I Go When There Is Nowhere Left to Go?” explores escapism and the need to flee, while examining the origins of that impulse. The cast includes Elise Metsanurk, Ilo-Ann Saarepera, Grete Jürgenson, Juhan Soon and Germo Toonikus, alongside artist Riin Maide, video artist Péter Kollányi, sound artist Dominik Hisslinger of Germany and lighting designer Oskar Harding. It will premiere on October 23, 2026.

Liivamäe’s painterly visual production “Niinagu” is intended for audiences of all ages from three years old. It was inspired by artist Kristi Kangilaski’s colourful work and her painting “Tulipead”. More than 40 characters will be played by Saarepera and Jürgenson. Liivamäe is the director, dramaturge and technical artist, while Kangilaski is the inspiration artist and Lauri Lüdimõis is the composer and musical designer. The premiere is scheduled for December 3, 2026.

Põllu’s new production examines why conversations about staging Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” eventually arise whenever three actresses find themselves in the same room. The cast includes Maarja Jakobson, Maarja Mitt-Pichen, Saarepera, Jürgenson, Metsanurk and Havanski. Kristiina Põllu is the artist and Liivamäe the lighting designer. It will premiere on February 27, 2027.

Ramul, Priit Põldma and the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy are collaborating on the final diploma production by the academy’s 16th cohort. The cohort’s first diploma work, “Soosteri koolkond”, was also staged at Tartu New Theatre. The theatre said it is now time to let the young performers take flight. The production will premiere on April 3, 2027.