A site-specific open-air performance based on a well-known novel, created for a rural village setting on the shore of Lake Peipus, where the story itself takes place. The performance was staged in a constructed environment resembling a Russian Old Believers’ settlement, embedded within the village yet spatially defined.

The audience sat on two opposing grandstands, separated by a strip of brushwood that functioned as a shared intermediate space through which the actors moved. The same story was performed twice. In the first part, each side of the audience followed either the sister’s (Serafima’s) or the brother’s (Bogdan’s) story in reverse chronological order, from consequences to causes. After the intermission, the audience changed sides and encountered the other perspective, unfolding in chronological order from beginning to end. Wireless headphones allowed different dialogues to be heard depending on position, while the full action remained visible throughout.

The production received significant recognition, including the Directing Award for Ivar Põllu, the Cultural Event of the Year award in Tartu, and nominations for Stage Design (Kristiina Põllu), Best Male Actor (Priit Loog), and Original Music (Anna Hints, Ann Reimann and Marja-Liisa Plats) at the 2022 Estonian Theatre Awards.

In 2023, Tartu New Theatre represented Estonia at the Countries and Regions Exhibition of Prague Quadrennial with the exhibition PQ2023: Eternity, created on the basis of the production. The curatorial team included artist Kristiina Põllu, curator-artist Ivar Põllu, engineer-artist Rene Liivamägi, and creative producer Maarja Mänd.

The production was in the repertoire in 2021–2022

A total of 29 performances were given, attended by 16,525 spectators
The final performance took place on 20 August 2022 in Kolkja village, on the shores of Lake Peipus

Serafima+Bogdan

On stage

Ilo-Ann Saarepera Kristel Leesmend Renate Keerd Elise Metsanurk Andres Mähar Priit Loog Ekke Hekles

Martin Kork
või Hardi Möller

Author

Vahur Afanasjev

Adapted and directed by

Set designer

Kristiina Põllu

Lighting designer and technical producer

Rene Liivamägi

Music by

Eeter

Director's assistant

Poster artwork by

Paper Cuts

Producer

Supporters

Estonian Ministry of Culture
City of Tartu
Cultural Endowment of Estonia
Raitwood
Estonian National Museum

Special thanks to

Peipsimaa Külastuskeskus
Peipsiääre vallavalitsus
Sibulatee
Kroonipuu
Teater Vanemuine
Škoda
Saku Läte
Telia Eesti

Premiere

31 July 2021
Kolkja village
on the shores of Lake Peipus

Duration

4h
in 2 acts

A theatrical adaptation of Vahur Afanasjev’s novel on the shores of Lake Peipus

The idea for the production emerged through a competition concluded in January 2018 and was developed in collaboration with the Sibulatee network.

The performance is set on the shores of Lake Peipus, a region historically inhabited by Russian Old Believers, whose way of life was shaped by strict traditions, faith, and fishing. The arrival of the Soviet era — with collectivisation, repression, and imposed authority — disrupted this world.

This continuity was abruptly broken during the Soviet period, when collectivisation, repression, and imposed authority transformed everyday life and eroded long-held beliefs. Against this backdrop unfolds the tragic story of siblings Serafima and Bogdan, told through two parallel perspectives that converge in a shared final act.

Recognition

Directing Award laureate Ivar Põllu
Estonian Theatre Awards 2022

Cultural Event of the Year
Tartu Cultural Awards 2022

Stage Design Award nominee Kristiina Põllu
Estonian Theatre Awards 2022

Male Actor Award nominee Priit Loog
Estonian Theatre Awards 2022

Original Music Award nominees Anna Hints, Ann Reimann and Marja-Liisa Plats
Estonian Theatre Awards 2022

Articles, news, interviews (in Estonian)

foto: Gabriela Järvet

photos: Gabriela Järvet

First table reading in Kolkja, December 2020 / photos: Gabriela Järvet