Estonian Theatre Agency to publish collection and catalogue of Estonian plays in English

As part of the Gothenburg Book Fair, the Estonian Theatre Agency is publishing an English-language collection of Estonian plays entitled “Read Me, Love Me, Play Me! Five Estonian Plays from 1911 to 2020” and a play catalogue entitled “Choose Me! Like Me! Stage Me! Selection of Estonian Plays.” Starting in October, the collection will be available for purchase and the catalogue will be available free of charge at the Estonian Theatre Agency office.

The collection of plays “Read Me, Love Me, Play Me! Five Estonian Plays from 1911 to 2020” contains English translations of the following plays:

• Ivar Põllu’s “Past Continuous”, translated by Maarja Mänd,
• Piret Jaaks’ “Rites of Passage,” translated by Adam Cullen,
• Martin Algus’ “Something Real,” translated by Adam Cullen,
• Jaan Tätte’s “Highway Crossing or The Tale of a Golden Fish,” translated by Krista Kaer, edited by Arthur Kincaid,
• August Kitzberg’s “The Werewolf,” translated by Merike Lepasaar.

When selecting the plays, the aim was to include both newer and older works of drama that would be suitable for both reading and staging. The collection also includes a variety of genres: drama, comedy, tragedy, and one text with criminal undertones. “Let us hope that, in addition to providing an overview of drama, this collection of plays also says something about the nature of Estonians, who are always considered to be so reserved. Theatre and drama are places where they are not so reserved,” writes dramaturg Sven Karja in the afterword to the collection.

The compilers and editors of the collection are Heidi Aadma and Liisi Aibel, the language editors are Dan O’Connell and Arthur Kincaid, and the designer is Indrek Sirkel. The afterword to the book was written by Sven Karja and translated by Kaur Sinissaar. The publication was supported by the Estonian Cultural Endowment.

The play catalogue “Choose Me! Like Me! Stage Me! Selection of Estonian Plays” is a collection of annotations about Estonian plays that have already proven themselves on international stages or have great potential to do so. The catalogue contains annotations for 30 plays, divided into 10 themes. The selection of authors provides an overview of Estonia’s most exciting authors over several decades, representing both established writers and young playwrights who are just beginning to write their first texts.

The catalogue features texts by Kai Aareleid, Martin Algus, Jim Ashilevi, Siret Campbell, Piret Jaaks, Merle Karusoo, Andrus Kivirähk, Urmas Lennuk, Katariina Libe, Mari-Liis Lill, Andres Noormets, Heneliis Notton, Siim Nurklik, Mehis Pihla, Paavo Piik, Aare Pilv, Priit Põldma, Reeli Reinaus, Paul-Eerik Rummo, Jaan Tätte, Andra Teede, Livia Ulman, Andris Feldmanis, Jaan Undusk, and Urmas Vadi.

All of the plays featured in the catalogue can be read in their entirety in English, Swedish, or Finnish using a QR code.

The catalogue was compiled and edited by Heidi Aadma, Kirsten Simmo, and Liisi Aibel, with annotations written by Maarja Moor, Joosep Lõhmus, Mariliis Peterson, Madli Pesti, Mehis Pihla, and others. The catalogue was designed by Indrek Sirkel.

In the picture: the cover designs of the play collection and catalogue. Designer: Indrek Sirkel