The Sooster Movement
on stage
Heleriin Lass
Helery Pikk
Jete Liisa Kiik
Margot Lehtsalu
Olina Kryuchkova
Saara Kaljujärv
Gregori Johannes Nõmm
Jens-Patrik Rand
Jenss Lootus
Kasper Sebastian Silla
Leonard Sass Taalmaa
Valeri Baženov
author-director
set and costume designer
composer
lighting designer
producer
premiere
25 October 2025
in the small hall
of Tartu New Theatre
duration
101 min
no intermition
language
Estonian
text-based
Soosteri koolkond
Tartu New Theatre + the16th graduating class of actors and directors of UT Viljandi Culture Academy + the legacy of Ülo Sooster
This is not a biography, even though Ülo Sooster’s life is compelling enough.
Nor is this an art documentary, although Ülo Sooster’s legacy is significant enough.
This is not a fantasy, because Ülo Sooster’s life and work are already fantastic enough.
Instead, it offers a playful insight, bringing dry facts and unrealised ideas to life.
The production was created in collaboration with Tartu New Theatre (creative team), the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy (acting and directing students), and the Tartu Art Museum (Ülo Sooster’s drawing collection).
The production is a continuation of a research-based project whose first part was presented as the exhibition-installation "Unknown Soviet Surrealists" by Kristiina and Ivar Põllu at the former Mereranna holiday resort in Narva-Jõesuu, as part of the cluster production Hungerburg2024. The project is funded by the Estonian National Culture Foundation.
Exhibition-installation "Unknown Soviet Surrealists"
Overview of Ülo Sooster’s life and work on the Sooster Foundation website
photos: Henry Griin