Feb 18 • 09:59 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

'Autumn Sonata' in the Bamboo Grove: A Masochistic Concert-Performance in the Family Aquarium

The review highlights the refreshing approach of director Eva Kolditsa in her staging of 'Autumn Sonata,' avoiding pretentious connections to Ingmar Bergman's canon.

Eva Kolditsa's interpretation of 'Autumn Sonata' stands out due to its refreshing distance from the traditional reverence often shown towards Ingmar Bergman, a towering figure in theater akin to Chekhov. In her production, Kolditsa refrains from making Bergman an elevated, untouchable figure, instead opting for an approach that emphasizes the work’s intrinsic value without over-sentimentalizing the author. This choice allows for a more personal and engaging experience for the audience, potentially resonating with contemporary viewers who may have felt alienated by overly reverent tributes to classic theater figures.

The setting of the concert-performance in a bamboo grove adds an intriguing layer to the overall experience, fostering an intimate atmosphere that mirrors the familial tensions explored in the narrative. By staging the production in a family aquarium, Kolditsa visually reinforces the themes of confinement and emotional entrapment, which are central to the play's exploration of relationships. This environment can provoke a more visceral reaction from the audience, encouraging them to reflect on the nature of familial bonds and personal struggles.

Overall, Kolditsa's staging promises to be a thought-provoking event that challenges viewers to engage with the material in a new light, appreciating the nuances of the performance without being overshadowed by the weight of Bergman's legacy. In this respect, the production is not merely a tribute but a transformative experience that invites both reflection and dialogue about the relevance of timeless themes in modern contexts.

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