Valgusaed

A production as an embrace. Or like a grandmother’s lap, with room for everyone. The production joined the repertoire through the 2026/2027 open call and is being created as 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 filled with stories. Filled with wishes. Filled with tenderness and harshness. The central media of Valgusaed are aerial acrobatics, storytelling and projections.

Valgusaed is a fairytale-like place that tests 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 responds.

“This production is our answer to the chaos of the world. We believe that sometimes we need to step outside ourselves into a space 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 has been sensory hypersensitivity, and the aim of making something soft, slow and nurturing—especially in a world that generously treats people to overstimulation.

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

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

Premiere: 12 August 2026 in the main hall of Tartu Uus Teater

Further information:
For ages 5+
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 Uue Teatri hall. Audience members are barefoot in the hall; at times, they experience the performance sitting or lying on the floor.

Pay close attention to the performance’s start time and location:
Daytime performance: starts at 16:00 in front of Tartu Uus Teater, on Lai Street.
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 performance. Latecomers cannot join the walk. The Kroonuaia Gate is up to a 10-minute walk from the theatre building.

Changes may be made in case of bad weather, so please pay attention to the pre-performance information.

Production website
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