theatre | concrete

On September 25th, as part of the Tallinn Architecture Biennale, the Estonian Theatre Agency and the Estonian Centre for Architecture will host the seminar day “theatre | concrete”, focusing on the influence of architecture on both people and aesthetics in theatre. The event will take place at Linnahall, starting at 15:00; admission requires a ticket to the Architecture Biennale’s curatorial exhibition “How Much?”. A limited number of tickets are available in advance from Fienta. Although budget discussions often tend to pit people against concrete, the aim of “theatre | concrete” is to transcend this dichotomy and analyse how theatre-makers and theatrical spaces work together. How does architecture shape the ways, forms and audiences of theatre-making? The theme will be explored through seven presentations, which seek both generalisations and individual examples in the relationship between theatre and architecture. The day will conclude with a panel discussion entitled “People and Concrete – Opposites or Partners?”, to which all interested parties are welcome to contribute. Kristiina Alliksaar will moderate both the discussion as well as the rest of the seminar day. The event will be followed by a curator’s tour of the exhibition “How Much?” at Linnahall and a performance by Keithy Kuuspu, inspired by the day’s main themes: theatre, concrete, architecture, and the interaction between people and space. To ensure the discussions do not end once the event is over, all participants are invited to continue the evening at the bar of the Estonian Museum of Contemporary Art. The event is organised by the team of the Estonian Theatre Agency in collaboration with the Estonian Centre of Architecture. The event is supported by Kunda Tsement (Heidelberg Materials). NB! The event is in Estonian! PROGRAMME The “theatre | concrete” seminar day will take place on September 25th, 2026 from 15:00 to 20:00 at Linnahall. 15:00 Opening remarks and short presentations (in the Linnahall foyer) On the relationship between architecture and culture – Aet Ader, President of the Union of Estonian Architects The Tallinn City Theatre complex from an architect’s perspective – Maarja Kask and Ralf Lõoke, architects at Salto Architects The Tallinn City Theatre complex from an artist’s perspective – Kristjan Suits, scenographer A theatre in a shrinking city. An architect’s perspective – Jiří Tintěra, City Architect of Tartu A cultural centre in a shrinking city. An artistic director’s perspective – Eerika Mark, Director of the Põlva Cultural Centre 16:30 coffee break 17:00 short presentations continue Absent space as a director. On the example of Estonian contemporary dance – Triinu Aron, Executive and Creative Director of Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava Space as a director. On the example of the production ‘Shorter Than Life’ – Priit Põldma, dramaturg and director, and Joel Väli, artist and director 17:30 discussion: “People and concrete – opposites or partners?” – Aet Ader, Reimo Sagor, Margus Allikmaa, Triin Ojari (moderated by Kristiina Alliksaar) 18:30 break 18:45 curator’s tour of the Tallinn Architecture Biennale’s curatorial exhibition “How Much?” (in the main hall of Linnahall) 19:30 Performance by Keithy Kuuspu (in the outdoor area of Linnahall) 20:00 After-party at the EKKM bar + curators’ tour of the EKKM anniversary exhibition “Why Do Shoes Rub and Other Questions” (starting at 21:00) The day will be moderated by Kristiina Alliksaar.