Tartu Student Theatre
“Life is like a plant, you put a seed in the soil and you don't know what will come out of it. Look, you'll see when you see.”
Author: Uku Uusberg
Director: Marko Mäesaar
Starring: Enor Niinemägi
Cast: Hanna Aadusoo or Maria Vera Pšenichnaja, Anel Neumann or Rutt Vare, Merili Viks, Indrek Tulp, Peeter Piiri, Jörgen Sinka, Kristjan Tammi, Kelly Kittus, Heleriin Lass or Henrik Lainvoo or Katrin Kalma
Lighting design: Enor Niinemägi and Kristjan Tammi
Sound design: Enor Niinemägi and Marko Mäesaar
Set designer: Marge Martin
Artist assistants: Merily Mikiver, Doreen Mägi, Johanna Mauer, Karmen Vits, Ester Must
Graphic designer: Jana Hal
Video designer and lighting technician: Kristjan Tammi
Choreographer: Jaanika Tammaru
Duration 2 hours including intermission.
Friends and supporters: Estonian Cultural Endowment, Tartu Student House, University of Tartu, Tartu Cultural Endowment, Draka Keila Cables, Käbliku Brewery, Tartu Reuse Centre, Estonian Small and Project Theatres Association
Against the background of the main character, the theater's illuminator, life itself flows in its contradictions and absurdity. A director from abroad tries to bring Chekhov to the stage, but cannot decide which play to choose from the works of the father of Russian absurdism. Rehearsals drag on, deadlines fall through, repeated changes of mind and excesses cause the troupe to flee, leaving only one actor who has to play ten different roles. He is supported by stage workers who are philosophy students, and when an old friend visits the Illuminator just before the premiere with a small drink, the resulting chaos takes on Fellini-like dimensions.
“The Illuminator” is about faith in oneself, becoming an honest person and striving to remain so.
