Astra Irene Susi "Un_stus"

Humus is not decay as destruction, but decay as preparation. It is the soil’s new breath. Disintegration that builds structure. And perhaps even these garlands, once striving to live forever in eternal greenness, can no longer pretend. They have frozen, begun to wither, and what now crumbles from them is more honest than color. It is a promise of fertility. Humus means something has been let go. That something has died… and that this has been accepted. Only then can something new begin.

Music theatre performance "Un_stus" fuses elements from folklore, opera, contemporary sound art, and performance into a ritualistic theatrical experience. It is an invitation to take part in a sensitive inner journey – through childhood paths, forgotten dreams, and expectations, stored in the body. What happens to dreams that have never come true? Where do they go? Do they remain within our bodies, becoming part of our somatic heritage? Or do they linger around as silent sounds and dances never danced?

The performance features musician, singer, and composer Maarja Nuut, soprano Annabel Soode, drag and performance artist Mikk Lahesalu, and director, actor and composer Astra Irene Susi.

The performances will take place at Südalinna Theatre’s (formerly Russian Theatre) Ring Stage on three days: August 30 and 31, and September 2, 2025. There will be two performances each day, at 18:00 and 20:30. NB! The performance begins outside on the street in front of the main entrance of Südalinna Theatre (address Vabaduse väljak 5).

Director: Astra Irene Susi
Performers: Maarja Nuut, Annabel Soode, Astra Irene Susi and Mikk Lahesalu
Producer: Mikk Lahesalu
Dialogue partner: Elo Valner
Costume designer: Kertu Seestrand
Makeup artist: Karoliina Villem
Lighting designer: Siim Reispass
Sound solutions: Kalle Tikas
Editor, production assistant: Olivia Soans
Graphic designer: Martina Gofman

Special thanks: Martin Lahesalu, Anna Roberta Lahesoo, Aleksandra Lepiste, Anne Daniela Rodgers, Paul Rodgers, Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Endla Theatre
Supported by: Estonian Cultural Endowment, City of Tallinn, Südalinna Theatre, SA Brittannia, Rakvere Cultural Centre

Duration: 80'
Language is not a barrier.

Accessibility information
The performances take place at the Ring Stage of Südalinna Theatre, which is accessible only via stairs. The performance includes haze, low lighting, and taxidermy animals.