Director Tanel Jonas: the concert performance “Arts of Survival at the Crossroads” brings to the audience the tale of Tartu. Take a look at who will step on stage

One of the authors of the concert performance is Tanel Jonas, an actor, acclaimed producer, and the future drama director of Vanemuine, whose roots lie in Tartu. As a creative person who constantly faces different choices, Jonas was inspired by the theme of “crossroads” when creating the concert performance for the Summer Celebration.

“When thinking about the history of Tartu and Estonia, it seems impossible to grasp that such small places have survived at the crossroads of traditions, cultures, and complicated historical events,” said Jonas, inspired by the idea of bringing the Tartu 2024 Arts of Survival to the crossroads. “At the same time, throughout the ages, the crossroads has been a place packed with meaning and power. Here, at a place where history, cultures, and traditions meet, we have survived, evolved, and been empowered, thus growing into a bearer of cultural thought with a strong vision,” explained Jonas while discussing the central theme of the concert performance.

Because of this, Jonas joined forces with Dramaturgist Laura Võigemast and Music Director Siim Aimla to walk the road of creativity and reach the crossroads with this concert performance, both literally and figuratively. By now the year-long journey has reached the finish line, and the concert performance “Arts of Survival at the Crossroads” will be for all to see on August 3 at the Car-Free Avenue in Tartu.

“This is a cheerful concert performance where music and movement fill an essential role,” said Jonas. He added that one can certainly sing along during the performance. The show contains many well-known Estonian songs, such as “Kaua sa kannatad” (“How Long Will You Endure”), “Ära möödu must lähedalt” (“Don’t Pass Me By”), “Segased lood” (“Complicated Stories”) and many others, which have all received a new arrangement under the Music Director Siim Aimla.

Indeed, the Tartu 2024 concert performance is a lineup of stars: beloved Estonian musicians such as Heidy Tamme, Ollie, Nele-Liis Vaiksoo, Peeter Volkonski, Liisi Koikson, Sissi, and many others. It could be said that even the performers are at a crossroads, as some of the artists will encounter each other on stage for the first time.

Long-time stage partners will also meet again. Actors Märt Avandi and Ott Sepp, both of whom tolerate humour and singing quite well, will take the stage. However, the nature of their meeting in “Arts of Survival at the Crossroads” is a secret that the director is not willing to reveal, asking those interested to come and see for themselves.

The concert performance will take the audience to the crossroads of magical power where meaningful get-togethers and developments take place. The spectacle begins with no more or less than the creation of the world when fire and water merge, and will continue in the rhythm of similarly significant events. The chicken and the egg will discover the age-old philosophical question, blood and promises will be exchanged, egos will clash and communities unite. In the mix of world history and myths, the story Tartu, a place positioned at the crossroads of cultures and narratives, is also taking shape.

“We will talk about how, despite complicated history, we have reached such a point where on the evening of August 3 we can all be together, and see how Tartu has survived at this crossroads and grown into a place so vigorous that it is the European Capital of Culture this year,” said Jonas.

“At its core, the concert performance is an exciting large-scale production with something for everyone,” Jonas said, opening up the spirit of the event and outlining its scale. The atmosphere of a large-scale production can be sensed from the mere fact that a live band, the Tartu Academic Male Choir and four dance groups will cross the stage and add their jovial tone to the performance: Shaté dance school, Janika Gymnastics Club, the Tartu group Leigarid and the dancers of the Tähtvere Dance Centre.

Dramaturgist Laura Võigemast’s original verse adds depth to the production, which, together with captivating screen visuals, weave the musical performances into a coherent narrative. “You have to have a good team to create such a big production,” Jonas reflects on what delights him the most about the production. “What I’ve always appreciated most about theatre work is the people I’ve had the privilege and good fortune to meet and create with throughout my life.”

The concert performance will end with the wildest metal-punk band from Southern Estonia, Winny Puhh. Dubbed the world’s weirdest band, they are a model of survival skills, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and positioning themselves at a crossroads with their work.

The Tartu 2024 concert performance“Arts of Survival at the Crossroads” will take place on Saturday, August 3 at 22.00 on the big stage at the Car-Free Avenue in Tartu. The event will be broadcast live by Estonian Television. Delfi will broadcast the concert from the venue.

Creative team of the concert performance “Arts of Survival at the Crossroads”:

Authors: Laura Võigemast and Tanel Jonas

Director: Tanel Jonas

Playwright: Laura Võigemast

Musical Director: Siim Aimla

Movement Director: Rauno Zubko

Video Artists: Andre Kais ja Eva-Lotta Meinart

Lighting Artist: Andre Petraudze

Band: Ahto Abner, Marvin Mitt, Indrek Mällo, Kirke Karja, Rahel Talts

Head Producer: Lauri Sokk

Technical Producer: Peeter Randväli

Tartu 2024 producer: Heigo Teder

Stylist: Piret Sootla

Choreographers: Kadi Krikmann, Leaanika Parra, Elina Gorelašvili, Maarja Pruuli, Keitrin Lepaste

Stage Manager: Aili Nohrin

Make-up Artist: Viktoria Rüster

On stage: Heidy Tamme, Peeter Volkonski, Nele-Liis Vaiksoo, Liisi Koikson, Priit Volmer, Märt Avandi, Ott Sepp, Rosanna Säälik, Ollie, Sissi, Tartu Academic Male Choir, Shat​​é Dance School, Janika Gymnastics Club, Leigarid Tartu Group, Tähtvere Dance Centre dancers