Estonian plays and playwrights were introduced to London audiences

Last Thursday, on March 12th, 2026, a showcase dedicated to new Estonian drama took place at the Jermyn Street Theatre in London’s West End, located next to Piccadilly Circus.

The festival featured two reading events – one in the afternoon and one in the evening – during which four Estonian plays were presented: Livia Ulman and Andris Feldmanis’s “An Orgy,” Paavo Piik’s “The Last Livonian,” Piret Jaaks’s “Queen of the Night,” and Mehis Pihla’s “Business as Usual.” In addition to the aforementioned authors, the delegation included playwrights and dramaturgs Siret Campbell, Martin Algus, and Oliver Issak; translator Adam Cullen; and Liisi Aibel and Kirsten Simmo from the Estonian Theatre Agency.

The showcase was organized by the British theatre company Foreign Affairs. In January, Foreign Affairs received the International Award at The Stage Awards, the UK’s largest theatre awards ceremony. The readings were directed by Flo Dessau (“An Orgy” and “Queen of the Night”) and Ria Samartzi (“The Last Livonian” and “Business as Usual”). The insightful discussions following the readings were moderated by Nastazja Domaradska and Margherita Laera.

Prior to the festival, playwrights had the opportunity to participate in rehearsals for staged readings and discuss their plays with the directors and actors. After the festival, a feedback session involving all participants took place at Foreign Affairs’ headquarters, followed by a discussion between representatives from The Gate and Jermyn Street Theatre about the London theatre scene. In addition, the Estonians watched a performance of “Bitch Boxer,” a production based on Charlie Josephine’s one-woman play, which was staged at the Arcola Theatre.

“The theatre company Foreign Affairs is an absolute super-host, under whose leadership it is wonderful to take the first steps in introducing new Estonian drama in London. Their dream is that, one day, an entire season at Foreign Affairs would be dedicated solely to Estonia. We’ll see if this grand plan ever comes to life! In any case, the Estonian Theatre Agency is doing its best to ensure this collaboration continues and that Estonian plays truly make it to London’s stages,” says Liisi Aibel, the agency’s director and international relations specialist.

The festival showcasing new Estonian drama in London was supported by the Estonian Ministry of Culture, the Estonian Embassy in London, and Arts Council England.

In the photo the Estonian delegation at the showcase of Estonian drama in London. Photo: private collection