Temufi to take over Viljandi puppet theatre

Viljandi City Council has decided to end the puppet theatre’s operations within the municipal Sakala Center and transfer responsibility for the service to the nonprofit theatre Temufi, ERR reported.

The theatre’s activities at Lossi Street will end in the Sakala Center structure on Sept. 3. The city plans to sign an agreement with Temufi in September, with the contract running until June 2029.

The city government’s plan to reorganise the theatre was first reported by ERR in March. Residents then collected signatures in support of continuing the theatre in its existing form. The city government rejected the initiative on June 29 and launched a procurement process to find a new operator.

Two organisations applied to run the theatre, the nonprofit Kohver and the nonprofit Temufi. Temufi submitted the final bid, after which negotiations continued with the city.

Deputy Mayor Anett Suits said the city did not want to eliminate the puppet theatre from Viljandi. Instead, its organisation and management would change. The city currently operates the theatre as part of the Sakala Center, with its employees included in the centre’s staff.

Suits said the main aim was to find a more cost-effective way to continue the theatre’s activities. The 2026 budget projected revenue of about 7,400 euros and expenses of nearly 92,000 euros. The city plans to pay the new service provider 60,000 euros, including value-added tax, per season.

Temufi will have to retain the Viljandi Puppet Theatre name, market its activities, maintain a diverse and sustainable programme and attract at least 4,000 visitors a year.

The requirements also include performances for young children, schoolchildren, young people and adults, as well as educational and school-holiday programmes. The theatre must take part actively in Viljandi events and offer public performances for at least 70 people, keep the regular ticket price at 10 euros, provide group and discounted tickets, and ensure accessibility.

The decision will result in the elimination of the theatre’s existing 2.4 positions within the Sakala Center. The theatre’s property and other inventory will remain with the centre.

Following the council’s decision, the city government will prepare a plan for the future use of the premises at Lossi 31. Suits thanked the puppet theatre’s former and current employees for their contribution to Viljandi’s cultural life.