The Finn-Brit Players has received a prestigious invitation to participate in an international theatre festival! From 8–11 October 2026, their talented cast will travel to Tartu, Estonia to take centre stage at the XII A-Festival, where they will headline performances of George Orwell‘s iconic novel 1984 (as re-written by H. Sven Fernandez) in the main theatre.
Under the direction of Jasper Kotiranta (Artistic Director) and H. Sven Fernandez (Director), brilliant music and visual effects by Veeti Jaakkola, stage management by Merlin Sauer and props by Evelin Hürlimann, the multicultural and multi-skilled cast will stage two performances of 1984. This compelling adaptation was previously met with resounding success at NoName Theatre, enchanting sold-out audiences in November 2025.
The organiser of this fascinating festival, Tartu University Student Theatre, has a rich history rooted in the Tartu University Drama Studio, founded by Timo Kikas in 1993.
In this unique theater setting, the creative team aims to re-conceptualise the performance, utilising the industrial and dystopian aspects of the stage space to enhance the storytelling. The tall ceilings, weathered walls, and utilitarian design serve as a powerful backdrop, symbolising the oppressive forces that crush the human spirit. The innovative use of catwalks and staircases allows for dynamic settings and atmospheres, propelling the narrative through a bleak reality where individuals are subjugated by a relentless system.
This rendition of 1984 brilliantly employs the stage space, positioning characters in unexpected locations and illuminating the environment in ways that intertwine it with the storyline. The audience is invited into the acting space, becoming part of the experience in a way that evokes both alienation and engagement. Inspired by Grotowski’s Poor Theatre and performances like Akropolis, the artistic design minimizes the use of costumes and props, creating an immersive atmosphere where audience members passively observe the action, akin to the protagonists who are mere cogs in the oppressive machine.
As the performance unfolds, the audience finds themselves ensnared in the surveillance state depicted on stage, witnessing the dehumanization of characters who are rewarded for self-destruction. They are compelled to accept the unfolding events without the power to intervene, mirroring the reality where individuals are powerless against the system. Even in the face of abduction, the audience experiences the chilling indifference of a society that turns a blind eye.
By integrating the audience into this particular stage setup, the creative team also maximises the verticality of the space, emphasising the insignificance of the viewers. With lights glaring down from above, the audience is positioned at the bottom of a towering shaft, sharing the sense of entrapment with the actors.
If you find yourself in Tartu this October, we invite you to join us for a performance that promises to be unforgettable. Experience 1984 like never before, and witness a powerful narrative brought to life in a truly remarkable way.
The Cast
WINSTON – Nicola Bagalá
JULIA – Ernesta Nesta
O’BRIEN – Payam Salarvand
SYME / ELDER 1 – Lotta Haikala
ELDER 2 / THOUGHT POLICE – Ilona Jalkanen
HOBO – Victor Stigzelius
TRAINING OFFICER / SEDUCTRESS / THOUGHT POLICE – Anastasia K
ELDER 3 / PARSONS – Hakan Kandemir
Creative and Production Team
Director, Writer, Dramaturg – H. S. Fernandez
Assistant Director – Jasper Kotiranta
Sound/Lights Tech – Veeti Jaakkola
Props Manager – Evelin Hürlimann
Stage Manager – Merlin Sauer
Media Specialist – David Martin
Cultural Liaison – Ilona Jalkanen
PRESENTED BY: The Finn-Brit Players
SHOW DATES – IN TARTU, ESTONIA
- Fri 9 Oct @ 9 pm
- Sat 10 Oct @ 9 pm
Image: H. Sven Fernandez