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 if you find fault, then go and… well. She did powerful things, truly 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 commotion, 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 old woman of Estonia, who was born at a time when “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 shatters. And then — we will not forget anymore. “Lilli” is a youth production about an important, hitherto unspoken chapter of Estonia’s national awakening. Through acting and music, the stage opens up the story of Lilli Suburg’s life and development. Lilli was our first woman’s rights activist, female editor-in-chief, female prose writer, philosopher and founder of an Estonian-language school. The story gives the viewer 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, the ancient form of storytelling. A modern heroic epic about a powerful woman. Essential viewing for world-improvers of all ages! Director-dramaturg KAIJA M KÜLM, author of the verses and music JAANIKA TAMMARU, sound designer KAAREL KUUSK, set 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. 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