The Scalpel
On a restless night, two middle-aged brothers find themselves at a crossroads. One, a successful surgeon; the other, a photographer navigating a more turbulent phase of life. They lead disparate lives, both in temperament and trajectory, and have long been estranged. Yet, circumstance compels their reunion – a woman stands between them, unearthing a trove of memories that trace back to their shared childhood. Against the backdrop of a night as sharp as a knife, they confront their past once more. Bound by fraternal ties, despite the clash, they harbor a steadfast sense of unity.
The playwright dedicates this work to the biblical figures Cain and Abel. Portraying the brothers are Mait Malmsten and Andres Puustusmaa, friends and course mates from The Theatre Department at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
Renowned French novelist and dramatist Antoine Rault (b. 1965) has garnered widespread acclaim for his oeuvre. In 2006, his play „The Tutor“ („Le Caïman“), centered around the philosopher Louis Althusser, received the esteemed French Academy Grand Prix. Rault has also earned numerous nominations for the Molière Award, the prestigious annual French theater accolade, particularly in the category of best playwright.
Author → Antoine Rault
Director, Sound Designer and Video Designer → Andres Puustusmaa
Set Designer → Ervin Õunapuu
Lighting Designer → Triin Suvi
Translated by → Margus Alver
Cast→ Mait Malmsten and Andres Puustusmaa
Running Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes with no interval
Premiere: 10 February 2024 (Paintshop Stage)
