How much of Ukrainian cultural heritage is unknown to us? What is the Ukrainian identity like, how and who have shaped it? How has Ukraine become a country that plays such a huge role in European history in this crucial moment? We looked into the identity of Ukraine and discovered a lot. There have been attempts to erase Ukrainian history, abolish the Ukrainian language and hijack its culture. Yet they have persisted and still do. We know what Ukrainians are fighting for but what drives them? What do they need to overcome? These questions led our process. Under the guidance of Anu Lamp, the class of 2024 of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre researched Ukrainian cultural heritage and found their highlights. "What can we, outside observers do against violence? We have no other choice but to educate ourselves and not let evil lead us." /Anu Lamp/
RiskyTheatreFestival PARTY IN A STRANGER’S FLAT
The class of 2024 of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre hijack the flat where otherwise Only Rivers Run Free. From 17 to 20 June in the former space of Vaba Lava (currently operating under the name JAIK). Party at a stranger’s flat is a risk. A risk that the young actors of the academy of music and theatre are willing to take. During three days and nights Ekspeditsioon's stage created for Only Rivers Run Free will host different performances. Mistakes and failures — guaranteed; unexpected successes and unique encounters — guaranteed; jazz and Ukrainian folk — guaranteed; famous people — guaranteed; pancakes, tinfoil and half a kilo of sausage — guaranteed; one performance by the Tallinn City Theatre — guaranteed; a three-day marathon without a guarantee that the participants will push though — also guaranteed. Performative experiments are inspired by the particular stage and the result is unknown. Stage design originally created by Arthur Arula will be repeatedly redefined during the four days. Performed activities are reactive in nature, with a less strict structure, risky and include unexpected moments – just like a party in a stranger’s flat. This is a collaboration between Ekspeditsioon and Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.