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, then go and… well. She did mighty deeds, moving mountains, quite literally. 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 brilliance and reason to make a commotion, but when history was written, 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 and destroys. And then—we will no longer forget.

“Lilli” is a youth production about an as-yet-untold chapter of Estonia’s national awakening, concerning an important figure. Through acting and music, the production explores the life and development of Lilli Suburg. Lilli was our first women’s 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 work in verse with musical accompaniment—is a contemporary development of epic folk poetry, an ancient form of storytelling. A contemporary heroic epic about a powerful woman. Required viewing for world-improvers of all ages!

Director-dramaturg KAIJA M KÜLM, author of the verse and melodies JAANIKA TAMMARU, sound designer KAAREL KUUSK, designer 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

For ages 12+
Duration: 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