Valgusaed

A performance as an embrace. Or like a grandmother’s lap, with room for everyone. The performance joined the repertoire through the 2026/2027 open call and is a co-production by Tartu Uus Teater and Big Wolf Company.

Valgusaed is created by light and its absence: shifts and reflections of light as hands, eyes, plants, words and stories cross its path. People, full of stories. Full of wishes. Full of tenderness and toughness.

The central media of Valgusaed are aerial acrobatics, storytelling and projections. Valgusaed is a fairytale-like place that probes the limits of possibility. But instead of watching from afar, the audience lands right in the middle of this world. Light flows into the warm palms of the villagers and, little by little, into their insides. They fall into the story. Through light and shadows, they too become storytellers. And the house answers back.

“This performance is our response to the chaos of the world. We believe that sometimes we need to step outward into a space that is so cosy, warm and safe that we can find that same cosiness, warmth and safety within ourselves.”

An important starting point in creating this work was sensory hypersensitivity, and the aim of making something soft, slow and nurturing—especially in a world that generously serves people an overload of stimulation.

Author-performer: Grete Gross (EE)
Co-author: Elisa Kundi-Matvejeva (LV)
Storyteller and props: Krõõt Saar (EE)
Eva Maria Aru (EE)
Lighting and video design: Paulius Jakubenas (LT)

Supporters: Eesti Kultuurkapital, Tartu Linn, Riia Tsirkus, Visaginase Kultuurikeskus, Põlva Kultuurikeskus

Premiere: 12 August 2026, Tartu Uue Teatri large hall

Further information
For ages 5+
Capacity: up to 40 people per performance
Duration: up to 1 hour 30 minutes, no interval

The performance begins with a walk that culminates in the Uus Teater hall. In the hall, the audience will be without shoes; at times, the performance is experienced while sitting or lying on the floor.

Please pay close attention to the performance start time and location:
The daytime performance starts at 16:00 outside Tartu Uus Teater, on Lai Street.
The evening performance starts at 22:30 at the Kroonuaia Gate of the University of Tartu Botanical Garden, on Kroonuaia Street.
Entry through the gates is 10 minutes before the start; latecomers cannot join the walk. The Kroonuaia Gate is up to a 10-minute walk from the theatre building.

In case of bad weather, changes may be made, so please pay attention to the information sent before the performance.

Performance website
#uusteater_opencall