Review on "Meie aja kangelane"

Couple months ago we visited Endla theatre with my school to see the staging of Mihhail Lermontov's famous novel "Meie aja kangelane".  The producer of this production is Galina Polišuk. This being a school trip, my expectations for the play weren't too high but I was surprised positively.

From the moment when I stepped in the hall, I was intrigued by the interesting scenery. There was a real water on the stage! I had never seen anything like this before. The water was used throughout the performance to show storms, boats drifting, escaping. The audience didn't have to feel left out, because they got wet as well - at least people in front rows did. Another interesting detail was the construction of chairs, tables, music instruments, wooden planks, and other old objects. It looked as if it could fall apart every moment, but was strong enough to withstand the actors climbing on it. I think it was a perfect symbol of messy human mind.

The spectators were witnesses to a very interesting and relatable story. The main character Petšorin, played by Priit Loog, is a handsome young officer, who has money, skills and everything else he could wish for. But he is bored. He spends his life trying to find something worth living for. We can see the officer trying his luck in  Russian roulette, risking his life in duels and playing with several ladies. Petšorin's desperate and miserable searches for happiness will make some feel sorry for him while others hate him for taking advantage of people. No matter, which side you represent, you will find yourself completely enchanted, living and feeling with characters in the play.

It would be a sin not to talk about the excellent acting as well. On the stage stepped up both young and inexperienced as well as older actors and actresses. Either way it was a pleasure to see them perform. My favourite character in the story was Vera who was played by Karin Tammaru. Vera is strong and independent woman. Tammaru did a very good job playing this role. Some other main artists are Carmen Mikiver, Fatme Helge Leevald, Sander Rebane, Jekaterina Novosjolova, and Jaan Rekkor.

I can't not mention lightning designer Karmen Tellisaar and sound designer Feliks Kütt. They did amazing job, especially with the storms. The sound was so loud and lighting so realistic that it made me feel like I was in the middle of the storm myself.

To sum up I dare to say that "Meie aja kangelane" is a successful complete stage work. Every detail is in the right place to leave the audience with unique experience. It is that kind of performance that you can't take your eyes off the stage and that kind of story that it will stay in your thoughts for a long time.