Temufi stages a moving story of friendship and life’s meaning

Temufi has brought a humorous and moving story of friendship to the stage in Viljandi, in director German Golub’s first theatre production, ERR reported.

The play, “Dance Free!”, is based on a drama by American author Mitch Albom, translated into Estonian by Peeter Volkonski. Professor Morrie, whose incurable neurological disease is physically weakening him while leaving his mind healthy, has not spoken to his favourite student Mitch, 40 years his junior, for 16 years. Their Tuesday meetings grow into a warm friendship and a kind of course in the meaning of life.

“We see one person coming back to life, while another may be dying but leaves behind so much that is alive and important, something that will stay with many people for a long time,” said Erki Laur, who plays Mitch.

Golub, who has a background in film directing, said it was a challenge to portray the friendship between a young and an older man convincingly on stage. He said working in theatre also gave him the chance to develop in another medium and learn something new.

Viktor Lanberg plays the life-affirming professor, while Laur plays his young friend. Both actors have worked with Golub on his films, and the three developed a strong rapport while making the play, which is based on real events. It is being performed at the Temufi theatre building in Viljandi.