Tartu Students’ Theatre: “Kuradi lood” – last performance

The Tartu Students’ Theatre production “Kuradi lood” draws on folk tales in which the devil is not merely a mythical being but a crafty trickster and shape-shifting manipulator who works by the deceptive logic of “contract law”. Unlike the carefree old devil of folklore, here the devil reflects the ugliness of the human soul: something that feeds on human weaknesses such as greed, laziness, lust, pride, vanity and a thirst for revenge.

The story centres on the motif of “selling the soul”: vague agreements and wordplay in which the price of temporary success is eternal punishment or the loss of one’s essence.

On stage the devil’s many faces are revealed: at one moment a demonic tempter, at another a ridiculous, foolish figure who can be outwitted with cleverness. Through clowning and elements inspired by Japanese kabuki theatre, the devil’s role in creating the world is woven in, and a struggle between evil and ugliness is staged.

This is a course production in which new actors and students of theatre, lighting and production work under experienced mentors.

Director: Enor Niinemägi. Assistant director and dramaturg: Peeter Piiri. Assistant director: Kertu Kändla. Producer: Kelly Kittus. Lighting designer and supervisor of lighting students: Jörgen Sinka.

On stage: Bethriin Pilv, Eliise Joost, Geilin Raudsepp, Jevgeni Varzinov, Katarina Veltri, Kirke Kabonen, Laura Brita Einpaul, Maarja Kährik, Mardina-Ly Torbek, Mona Bronzov, Selina Lebin, Sirelin Timmermann, Villem Mändmaa.

Backstage: Eva Volver, Kirke Kabonen, Madli Kaljo.

The performance lasts 60 minutes with no interval. Supported by the City of Tartu and Tartu Students’ House.