Actor Alex Paul Pukk looks for energy in Estonian theatre
Sunday 30th August 2026 on 13:30 in
Estonia
Alex Paul Pukk, who has graduated as an actor from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s School of Performing Arts, says he is looking for energy in Estonian theatre. In an interview with ERR, Pukk discussed his first theatre experiences, dream roles and artistic preferences.
Pukk comes from Viimsi and describes himself as “now an actor on paper”.
From theatre to the Champagne region
He does not remember his first theatre experience, but as a teenager he repeatedly watched Von Krahli’s production “Paradiis”, even saving money to see it.
If he had not been accepted to the School of Performing Arts, Pukk planned to become a sommelier. After the final round of entrance examinations, his plan B was to go grape-picking in the Champagne region.
Among Estonian actors, he names Tambet Tuisk and Marika Vaarik as favourites. From abroad, he highlights Sacha Baron Cohen and Willem Defoe. Asked why, he replies: “If I could answer that in one sentence, I would be that good myself.”
A role that hits him in the forehead
Pukk says he misses energy in Estonian theatre. His dream role would be one that “hit me in the forehead like a mitten”.
Asked to explain in one sentence what theatre is, he answers: “A: Mimi mimi mi mi mimi. B: Mo momo mo mo mo mo.”
According to Karin Allik, Pukk is looking for “vulgarity that elevates”.
He says theatre is necessary, although he does not yet know exactly why. His recommendations are Lars von Trier’s film “Melancholia”, the book “Minima Moralia” and a new production by Krahli, which he has not seen but is looking forward to. He also recommends the productions of Ekspeditsioon.
Five quick choices
Film or theatre? Theatre.
First or last row? First or last performance?
Drama theatre or contemporary performance art? “No one has yet explained convincingly enough what the difference between them actually is.”
Large hall or studio theatre? Large hall.
Shakespeare or Beckett? Shakespeare.
This year, the 32nd cohort of the School of Performing Arts at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre graduated. The ERR culture portal is introducing its new actors, directors and dramaturges.