Nüganen says avoiding Russian culture will not erase the Russian world

Actor and director Elmo Nüganen says he understands why some people do not want to engage with Russian-language culture, but avoiding it will not erase what he calls the Russian world, ERR reported.

Nüganen is appearing in Merle Karusoo’s documentary production “When Roots Are Cut…” at VAT Theatre. The play, which premiered a few weeks ago, explores the family histories of Estonian theatre-makers with Ingrian Finnish roots. Nüganen said performing as himself on stage had been a different experience, with the production shaped by its form as much as by what it discusses.

Last year, Nüganen staged “Gods”, a play about the war in Ukraine, at Südalinna Theatre. He chose the theatre because he wanted the production to be performed in both Estonian and Russian.

On Friday, Südalinna Theatre is due to premiere “The Life of the Desert Fox”, the final play by Jaan Kruusvall, directed by Johan Elm. Nüganen plays the lead character. The production will be performed in Russian with simultaneous translation into Estonian.

Nüganen said he also understands people who do not want to hear Russian or pick up a book by Fyodor Dostoevsky. He said that even burning Dostoevsky’s books would not make the Russian world disappear, as the two things were separate.

Nüganen is also teaching a new class at the theatre school this year. He said he felt calm and positive about the group.