Must Kast: “Tükk maad”

The play “Tükk maad” brings young audiences subjects that are rarely discussed with them: war, refuge and crisis situations. It explores how childhood carries on in exile, what the little war refugees dream of, what gives them joy, and whose good will helps them to survive. The production focuses on the children’s point of view and on the search for hope in a completely hopeless situation: how do you cope with circumstances for which nobody has ever prepared us? Through the playful devices of visual theatre, the performance opens up for young audiences strange people, unfamiliar places, situations that seem impossible, and the rules for staying alive and remaining human. Despite its painful subject, the production is full of ingenuity, joy and hope for a better tomorrow.

The production is based on the memories of Estonian children and was inspired by the books “Jättes seljataha Eesti” (Saima Parbo), “Kui sõjamüra oli vaibunud. Geislingeni põgenikelaagri laste mälestused” (Mai Maddisson and Priit Vesilind), “Käru ja kaameraga” (Eric Soovere) and “Mis teha – siin ta on. Pagulase elu piltides” (Endel Kõks and Arnold Sepp).

The production is dedicated to all children of the past and present who have been forcibly separated from their familiar and safe homes.

Author Kristiina Jalasto-Kallas, director Kaili Viidas (Endla Theatre), artist Illimar Vihmar, music and sound design Ardo Ran Varres, lighting designers Kärt Karro (Estonian Youth Theatre) and Sander Põllu (VAT Theatre), producer Merilyn Elge, marketing and direct sales Raul Markus Vaiksoo, on stage Agur Seim, Jaanika Tammaru, Silva Pijon, Kristian Põldma.

The production was made in cooperation with the Estonian National Museum.

Age 10+

Premiere 11 April 2025 at 12:00 in Tartu, Jakob Hurda Hall (Estonian National Museum)

On performance days the Estonian National Museum also offers an extra programme for groups and individual visitors.

With a performance ticket you can visit the permanent exhibition “Kohtumised” (Encounters) on the day of the performance. To arrange this, let the museum’s service centre know in advance, then collect the exhibition tickets from the information desk on site. The exhibition marks a selection of exhibits connected with the production.

Groups can book a half-hour guided tour of the permanent exhibition “Kohtumised” linked to the production. The tour looks at the 1944 escape story of the schoolboy Tarvo and at the objects taken on the flight. Tours can be booked either before the afternoon performance begins (11:15–11:45) or after it ends (14:45–15:15). The tour costs €20. Catering can be arranged through the museum.