Elajannad explores intimate partner violence in new stage work

ERR reported that the creative duo Elajannad has presented its second production, “Pomegranate Tree, Give Me Weapons,” at the Kumu auditorium.

Elajannad, formed by composer Mingo Rajandi and director Eva Koldits, combines music and theatre in new forms where the two are equal and organic partners. Their first production, “Passion for a Woman,” premiered in 2023 and focused on the course of a woman’s life.

“Elajannad has now become our kind of band name, but the production is completely new. It has a new subject, new music and new texts. Only the people are the same,” Rajandi said.

The title “Pomegranate Tree, Give Me Weapons” comes from a haiku by Triin Soomets. The texts performed on stage were commissioned from prominent Estonian female writers.

“We have taken intimate partner violence, but in such a way that we tell many stories within it. We have not chosen one story that unfolds and reaches somewhere. Instead, we are trying to show as many different ways and forms of intimate partner violence as possible,” Koldits said.

Mirtel Pohla appears on stage alongside Elajannad and musicians Andres Kaljuste, Andre Maaker, Martin Petermann, Tobias Tammearu and Kadri Tegelmann.

“From the men’s point of view, Elajannad contrast with the actors. Our main role on stage is to be musicians and play Mingo’s necessary, contrasting music alongside the difficult texts performed by the actors,” Kaljuste said.

The production’s set designer is Kairi Mändla. Performances will take place at the Kumu auditorium this week.