Ekspeditsioon stages readings from Kaur Kender trial

Estonian theatre Ekspeditsioon will stage a reading of expert testimony from Kaur Kender’s trial on October 15, the broadcaster ERR reports. “Action 01: Literature class at the state’s expense” is the first event in the theatre’s “Contra Bonos Mores” series.

The trial began 10 and a half years ago, when writer Kender entered the Liivalaia courthouse facing an accusation of producing child pornography. Cultural critics and literary scholars were called to give expert testimony. Instead of brief, direct answers, their evidence prompted discussions lasting several hours.

The staged reading focuses on those discussions of textual analysis, metaphor and literary language. The debate ranged beyond Kender and his work “Untitled 12” to broader questions about art and literature.

Ekspeditsioon says the new series will explore art, the role of the artist and the boundaries of art, focusing on occasions when art prompts public debate and calls for definitions or discussion. The theatre plans to stage a new production in the series in autumn 2027.

The event will take place at Ekspeditsioon’s studio in the Krulli building. The performers are Oliver Issak, Alex Paul Pukk, Joonas Koff, Joosep Lõhmus, Uku Pokk, Clara Jantson-Köstner, Eleriin Miilman, Getriin Kotsar and Georg Ander Sild.