Andrus Kivirähk’s new Christmas play premieres at Südalinna Theatre
Friday 23rd October 2026 on 10:45 in
Estonia
Andrus Kivirähk’s new family play, “Maria and Christmas,” will premiere at Südalinna Theatre on November 27, ERR reports. Directed by Dmitri Petrenko, the production follows a young girl whose imagination is not bound by the limits adults set.
“I wanted to write a fun Christmas story for Südalinna Theatre that would be interesting for both children and adults,” Kivirähk said. Adults usually know what is possible and how things are meant to be used, he said, while a child can travel without leaving a room, befriend Cold or ask an elephant to help Santa.
Kivirähk said adults could also benefit from joining in children’s games. He hopes the production will give audiences a chance to laugh together and believe that Christmas miracles happen to those who believe in them wholeheartedly.
Natalia Tšernova is the set designer, Baiba Litinja the costume designer, Astra Irene Susi composed the music, Daniela Privis created the choreography and Anton Andrejuk designed the lighting.
Erika Babjak plays Maria. Artjom Vesselovski plays her favourite toy, Buratino, and Oleksandra Levytska plays Barbie. Karin Lamson plays the mother, Stanislav Kolodub the father and Raven, and Mikhail Manevich the Cat.
The 55-minute production is recommended for audiences aged six and older. It will be performed in Russian with simultaneous interpretation into Estonian.