On Friday, February 9, John Kander's musical "Cabaret" will premiere at the Estonian National Opera under the direction of Swedish stage director AnnaKarin Hirdwall. Scenographer Caroline Romare, lighting designer Peter Stockhaus and choreographer Adrienne Åbjörn also come from Sweden. The musical director of the production is Kaspar Mänd, acting assistant is Helgi Sallo.
"Cabaret" is a legendary Broadway musical with a serious undertone that spotlights the lives of ordinary people under the influence of decadent pre-World War II Germany. The musical shows us a picture of the wild freedom and loneliness of the era, which created a favourable ground for spiritual, artistic and sexual freedom, which was destined to perish under the Nazi regime.
According to director AnnaKarin Hirdwall, "Cabaret" is a story that should be told in every era. "The political and social situation that forces people to hide their true selves is very relevant. One keyword that has been on my mind since the first days of directing this story is FEAR. What will happen to us if we are afraid all the time?'
"Cabaret" takes place in the 1930s. Hirdwall: "We know what happened next in society. We know how it ended. With this production, we want to tell people: “Open your eyes! Don't let it happen again!”.
Cast: Emcee – Priit Võigemast (guest), Kaarel Targo (Theatre Must Kast), Sally – Hanna-Liina Võsa (guest), Piret Krumm (guest), Cliff – Kaarel Targo (Theatre Must Kast), Kalle Sepp (guest), Fräulein Schneider – Juuli Lill, Katrin Karisma (guest), Mr. Schultz – Jassi Zahharov, Mart Laur, Fräulein Kost – Karis Trass, Kadri Nirgi, Ernst Ludvig – Mart Madiste, Jaak Jõekallas.
The chorus and orchestra of the National Opera and dancers from both the National Ballet and the ranks of freelancers will take part.