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 a strong foundation 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, she seems to have been forgotten. Yet those who do not remember old stories cannot see very far ahead. So let us remember this Estonian old woman, for ourselves and for you—she 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 important, previously unspoken chapter of Estonia’s national awakening. Through acting and music, the production reveals 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 the opportunity to ask sharp questions about values that still apply in society today. The chosen form—a verse work with musical accompaniment—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 all ages!

Director-dramaturge KAIJA M KÜLM, author of the verses 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+

Performance duration: 105 minutes

Premiere on 8 March 2023 at 13:00 in Tartu, at Genialistide Klubi

Additional information and reservations: piletid@teatermustkast.ee
www.teatermustkast.ee