Drama students debut with admissions-inspired diploma production

Students from the 33rd class of the drama school at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre will present their first diploma production, “Lavaka katsed,” on Saturday. The play turns the school’s entrance examinations into theatre, ERR reports.

Twelve acting students portray applicants taking part in the auditions. The production features works by more than 70 Estonian poets. The students chose poems that, in their range and extremes, they say capture life and love in today’s Republic of Estonia.

The production has four parts. Two are shown on weekday evenings, while all four are performed in succession on Saturdays. Performances take place at the drama school.

The student cast comprises Ats Aavakivi, Arabella Antons, Rasmus Ermel, Juula Miia Hermanis, Franko Mirjam, Aksel Ojari, Maara Parhomenko, Karmen Parijõgi, Mihkel Peetson, Pauliine Põldmaa, Laura-Liis Uussaar and Mirjam Äkke. Course instructors Tambet Tuisk and Anne Türnpu also appear.

Tiit Ojasoo directs, with Elss Raidmets as dramaturg, Ksenia Verbeštšuk as costume designer, Rommi Ruttas responsible for lighting and Jakob Juhkam for sound.