Must Kast: “Lilli”

Once there lived Caroline Suburg, who was called Lilli. Here, in Estonia, yes! She wanted more rights for women, so that Estonians could be prouder of themselves and simply so that the world would be kinder to everyone. But the others did not understand what or why—and when you find fault with something, then go and… well. She did mighty deeds, even moved mountains. She read many books and built support for culture. She had time for others, as she ploughed the furrow of education, and cared for very many people. “If you are a good child, you will get into Lilli Suburg School!” She was not mediocre; she had personal radiance and reason to make a fuss, but when history was written down, she seems to have been forgotten. Yet those who do not remember old stories cannot see very far ahead. So let us remember, for ourselves and for you, this Estonian old woman, who was born at a time when “old woman” was not yet an insult and none of the Estonians had any rights. Why? Because the strongest muscle is the tongue: it preserves, it destroys. And then—we will no longer forget. “Lilli” is a youth production about an important, hitherto unspoken chapter of Estonia’s national awakening. Through play and music, Lilli Suburg’s life and development are brought to the stage. Lilli was our first female rights activist, female editor-in-chief, female prose writer, philosopher and founder of an Estonian-language school. The story gives the audience an opportunity to ask sharp questions about values that still apply in society today. The chosen form—a verse work with a musical background—is a contemporary development of epic folk poetry, an ancient form of storytelling. A contemporary heroic epic about a mighty woman. Required viewing for world-improvers of every age! Director-dramaturg KAIJA M KÜLM, author of the verse and music JAANIKA TAMMARU, sound designer KAAREL KUUSK, artist INGA VARES, lighting designer KAROLIN TAMM, lighting technician MIHKEL VIINALASS, sound technician RENEE TREI, producer MERILYN ELGE, marketing and direct sales RAUL MARKUS VAIKSOO, on stage SILVA PIJON, MARIANN TAMMARU, AGUR SEIM, KAAREL KUUSK. Ages 12+. Running time: 105 minutes. Premiere on 8 March 2023 at 13:00 in Tartu, at Genialistide Klubi. Further information and bookings: piletid@teatermustkast.ee www.teatermustkast.ee