Estonian Drama Theatre traces Indrek’s life across five Truth and Justice volumes

The Estonian Drama Theatre will premiere a stage adaptation of all five volumes of A. H. Tammsaare’s novel Truth and Justice on Saturday. Directed by Hendrik Toompere Jr and adapted by Andrus Kivirähk, the play follows Indrek Paas’s life, ERR reported.

The novel begins with Andres and Krõõt arriving at Vargamäe and ends with Indrek and Tiina leaving. Between those events is a lifetime of ambitions, choices, disappointments and hopes in the search for truth and justice.

Kivirähk said the adaptation focuses on the events and characters that shape Indrek’s life. He noted that Tammsaare’s world is rich enough to provide material for many more plays.

Toompere said each generation should look at classic works anew and find its own meaning in them. He was interested in why the novel has remained relevant and in combining its archetypal characters with a more contemporary theatrical style. He also wanted to approach the work’s inherent melancholy and sadness in a softer, lighter way through theatre.

The director described telling Indrek’s life story in one evening as a central challenge. The cast includes Rasmus Kaljujärv, Marian Eplik, Hanna Jaanovits, Mait Malmsten, Hilje Murel, Raimo Pass, Teele Pärn, Inga Salurand, Taavi Teplenkov, Jüri Tiidus, Ursel Tilk, Harriet Toompere and Ivo Uukkivi, alongside musician Jaak Lutsoja.

Laura Pählapuu is the set designer, Jaanus Vahtra the costume designer, Priidu Adlas the lighting designer, Lauri Kaldoja the sound designer and Eve Mutso the movement director.