Christmas with the Mussakas: A theatrical game at Koidula Museum and its garden

CHRISTMAS WITH THE MUSSAKAS
A theatrical game at Koidula Museum and its garden

They are not house spirits, ghosts or elves, but beings of an entirely different kind, who feed on the dust of time and memories of bygone times and things. That is why they live in old, renovated houses where old things have not been removed, but added to. They especially like old things that have stories of their own, so they prefer to live in museums.

They come to life just as the museum door is locked and the lights go out... They are the museum’s secret inhabitants and therefore call themselves mussakas. They come to life just as the museum door is locked and the lights go out, and try very hard to act like real people...

Why are people so excited at this cold, bleak time of year? Ah, they are getting ready for Christmas! In that case, they too—the keepers of memories of old things—must celebrate Christmas. But how?

Before Christmas, we’ll meet friendly, slightly peculiar mussakas in the Koidula Museum building and garden. You can play and make crafts with them. During this theatrical game at Koidula Museum and in its garden, we’ll learn about old things and ways of life, and especially about how Christmas was celebrated in 19th-century Estonia.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Please note: The theatrical game begins in the museum garden—dress for the weather! The performance is suitable for children aged 6–10. The ticket includes the performance, a small snack and a craft activity. Children are welcome with an accompanying adult, who is asked to purchase an accompanying adult ticket.

Ticket prices:
Until 31 October: child ticket €14, accompanying adult ticket €5
1–30 November: child ticket €16, accompanying adult ticket €7

The performance can also be booked for groups.

Available times:
Tue, 1 December at 9:30 or 12:00
Mon, 7 December at 9:30 or 12:00
Tue, 8 December at 12:00

Teachers and support persons accompanying a class attend free of charge. Other adults pay the accompanying adult ticket price of €5.

Further information and bookings for performances by arrangement: visit@pernau.ee

Cast:
Elmar Trink
Lili Välimäe or Katrin Soomets
Kadri Rebane or Silve Saliste
Katrin Suu or Kristel Põder

Director: Meelis Sarv

Artists: Triin Tamman, Kadri Rebane

Authors: Meelis Sarv, Katrin Suu, Pärnu Museum team

This original production by Pärnu Museum was created in collaboration with Täna va’Teater. The performance is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.