In 1941, the Russian director Sergei Eisenstein found himself presented with a compelling offer directly from Stalin himself – to undertake the creation of a film depicting Ivan the Terrible, a leader perceived as harsh yet indispensable for the nation. While declining Stalin’s offer is inconceivable, the notion of art serving as a mere instrument of power presents a profound dilemma. Through the lens of the intertwined narrative involving young NKVD officers tasked with overseeing the director, we witness the moral quandaries faced by Eisenstein and his contemporaries.

The latest work by Mikhail Durnenkov, a Russian playwright presently residing in Helsinki and a prominent figure in the dissenting Russian theater scene Teatr.doc, emerges from a collaborative effort with actor and director Julia Aug, who relocated from Russia to Estonia. “Eisenstein” endeavors to delve into the origins of the ongoing events in our neighboring country and to comprehend why they persist without cessation.

Author → Mihhail Durnenkov
Director → Julia Aug
Set and Costume Designer → Pille Jänes
Lighting Designer→ Priidu Adlas
Video Designers → Epp Kubu, Eret Kuusk
Sound Designer→ Kirill Havanski
Translated by → Ilona Martson

Cast→ Taavi Teplenkov, Ursel Tilk, Britta Soll, Ülle Kaljuste, Merle Palmiste, Gert Raudsep, Tõnu Oja, Kristo Viiding, Johannes Tammsalu, Janno Jaanus
Pianist → Siim Selis

Running Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes incl. interval
Premiere: 8 March 2024 (Big Stage)

Cigarette substitutes are used in this performance.