Having lost part of its audience, Ugala's Sõjaväe—Sydalinna Theatre promises varied repertoire
Estonia's Sydalinna Theatre lost part of its budget and roughly 20% of its audience after last year's renaming, but promises a diverse new season for all kinds of viewers.
After being renamed last year, the Sydalinna Theatre lost part of its budget and, according to recent statistics, roughly 20% of its audience. Theatre director Anne-Lii Päiv explained that the budget cut forced reductions in both administrative staff and actors, resulting in 30 fewer performances staged, which in turn affected attendance figures.
The theatre opens its new season with the premiere of "Without a Dowry". Päiv acknowledged that during last season's difficult period, marked by the renaming and staff layoffs, part of the audience lost trust in the theatre, with many choosing to avoid it afterward. She admitted there were communication mistakes but stressed that the theatre treats its audience with respect.
Criticism and artistic direction
The theatre has recently faced considerable criticism, including toward artistic director Dmitri Petrenko, who was re-elected for a new term over the summer. Commentator Viktor Solts noted a lack of internal unity within the theatre, while Päiv has recently begun acknowledging that not all productions have been successful.
Last season's most successful shows were "Cabiria", "Dubrovsky" and "Clowns Flying to Mars", along with classic and musical productions that also drew good audiences. Petrenko's production "So Much Sun" was dropped from the repertoire a year after its premiere because audiences did not embrace it.
Petrenko said a theatre undergoing transformation is inherently difficult for both itself and its audience to navigate, as the repertoire and visual choices become sharper and less familiar to viewers used to more traditional fare. He stressed the theatre cannot simply cater to audience preferences, since it serves art rather than functioning as a consumer service.
Still, the theatre promises a varied repertoire this season — alongside "Without a Dowry" will be "Dorian Gray" and the children's production "Muff, Half-Boot and Mossbeard". Another premiere follows in two weeks: Johan Elm's "The Last Knight", starring Elmo Nüganen.
