Oliver Reimann seeks contact and magic in theatre

This year, the 32nd cohort of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s School of Dramatic Arts graduated. ERR’s culture portal is introducing the new actors, directors and dramaturges entering professional life. One of them is director Oliver Reimann.

Who are you, where do you come from and where are you going?

An emerging director. I come from school and I am going to rehearsal.

What was your first great theatre experience?

As a child, I watched Ojasoo and Semper’s rock opera “Ruja” an incredible number of times. We had a DVD of the production at home. Later came various musical theatre productions on the Mezzo channel. I have indelible memories of “The Children of Bullerbyn” at Nuku, now the Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences, and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” at the Estonian National Opera. The latter is still being performed.

What would you have become if you had not been admitted to the School of Dramatic Arts?

A maritime logistics specialist. Or a freelance administrator and organiser.

Who is your favourite actor, and why?

I have already mentioned some of the actors I like very much. But as I enter professional life after school, inspiring colleagues continue to appear. As a director, I like an actor who can combine technical mastery, the joy of playing and complete presence. When discipline and wildness collide.

What do you miss in Estonian theatre?

Sharp edges, well-justified colours and the courage to make mistakes.

What is the dream material you would like to bring to the stage?

The operas “Cavalleria rusticana” and “Salome”.

What is theatre? Explain it in one sentence.

Magic.

What do you seek most in theatre?

Contact.

Is life without theatre possible?

Of course it is.

Give some recommendations: one film, one book and one production.

Estonia has many good festivals where all kinds of distinctive flavours are served up on a platter. Your task is to taste thoughtfully and enjoyably fill yourself up: PÖFF, TMW, Baltoscandal and others. I also recommend concerts by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

Film or theatre?

Theatre.

First row or last row?

Last row.

Spoken theatre or contemporary performance art?

Spoken theatre.

Large hall or studio theatre?

Large hall.

Shakespeare or Beckett?

Shakespeare.