Oja and Reha bring restraint to Mamet’s Life in the theatre

ERR has published Jaak Allik’s review of R.A.A.A.M.’s production of David Mamet’s Life in the theatre, which first appeared in Sirp. Allik writes that actors Pääru Oja and Jarmo Reha, known for their strong temperaments, surprise with a restrained and supportive performance.

The play brings together two actors in 26 moments on and off stage. Mamet’s characters have few open clashes, but their relationship carries suppressed tension and unspoken attitudes. Allik says he expected more explosive exchanges from Oja and Reha, who are 35 and 37, but instead saw two performers supporting each other. The contrast, he writes, was a pleasant surprise that left him wanting to see the production’s tenth performance.

The actors had not previously performed together on stage, although Oja appeared in Reha’s first production, Oomen, staged in 2018 in the vast halls of the Kreenholm factory building in Narva. Both have also worked abroad. Oja won the EFTA award for best actor in 2025 for playing Juhan Liiv in the film Shadow, while Reha received the same award in 2026 for his role as Eugene in Mo Papa.

R.A.A.A.M. initially planned to stage Don Juan and Sganarelle with visiting director Barzu Abdurazzakov, but the work stopped and Abdurazzakov left Estonia. Oja and Reha then chose Mamet’s play and brought in director Tiit Alte, who had worked as a translator for Abdurazzakov. The production also features translation by Meelike Palli, set design by Riina Vanhanen, lighting by Priidu Adlas and music by Ardo Ran Varres.

Mamet’s play was first staged in Estonia at the Estonian Drama Theatre in 1991, directed by Mikk Mikiver. The original casting plan paired Heino Mandri with Raimo Pass, but after Mandri died in December 1990, Aarne Üksküla took over the role, reducing the age gap between the two actors.

R.A.A.A.M.’s production premiered on October 3 at the Vaba Lava black box in Salme Cultural Centre.