Tartu Student Theatre "Devil Tales"

Tartu Student Theatre’s production "Devil Tales" draws on stories from folklore, in which the devil is not merely a mythological creature, but a cunning trickster and shape-shifting manipulator who operates according to a deceptive logic of “contract law”. Unlike the light-hearted old devil of folklore, our story focuses on the devil as a reflection of the ugliness of the human soul—something that feeds on and manipulates the weaknesses of human nature: greed, laziness, lust, pride, vanity and the desire for revenge. At the centre of the story is the motif of “selling one’s soul”: vague agreements and wordplay in which the price of temporary success is eternal punishment or the loss of one’s essence. The production reveals the devil’s many facets: at one moment he is a demonic tempter, at another a ridiculous and foolish figure who can be outwitted through cleverness. Through clowning and elements inspired by Japanese kabuki theatre, the devil’s role in the creation of the world is woven into the performance, creating a struggle between evil and ugliness. This is a “course production” in which, under the guidance of experienced mentors, practical opportunities are provided for both new actors and students interested in stage arts, technology and production. Director: Enor Niinemägi Assistant director and stage manager: Peeter Piiri Assistant director: Kertu Kändla Producer: Kelly Kittus Lighting designer and mentor to lighting technology students: Jörgen Sinka On stage: Bethriin Pilv Eliise Joost Geilin Raudsepp Jevgeni Varzinov Katarina Veltri Kirke Kabonen Laura Brita Einpaul Maarja Kährik Mardina-Ly Torbek Mona Bronzov Selina Lebin Sirelin Timmermann Villem Mändmaa Backstage: Eva Volver Kirke Kabonen Madli Kaljo The performance lasts 60 minutes (without an interval). Supported by the City of Tartu and Tartu Üliõpilasmaja.