Playwriting from Estonia

In association with Jermyn Street Theatre

An encounter with contemporary playwriting in translation.

In collaboration with the Estonian Theatre Agency and the Embassy of Estonia in London, we are sharing script-in-hand readings of four plays that have recently shaped the Estonian stage. The showcase offers an opportunity to engage with these works in English translation and to explore the craft and choices involved in bringing them into a new language.

For one day only at Jermyn Street Theatre, we will be sharing script-in-hand readings of:

• Queen of the Night by Piret Jaaks, translated by Adam Cullen
• An Orgy by Livia Ulman and Andris Feldmanis, translated by the playwrights
• Business as Usual by Mehis Pihla, translated by Adam Cullen
• The Last Livonian by Paavo Piik, translated by Siim Nurklik with the playwright

For more information about the plays, please visit our website.

The Programme

We are hosting two showcases – one in the afternoon and one in the evening – each followed by a post-show discussion with visiting playwrights and translator Adam Cullen. Each session will be chaired by a different moderator, offering multiple points of entry into the work: from the political urgency of banking scandals to the particular rhythms and sensibilities of Estonian dark comedy.

In each showcase, you can expect:

• Four play readings – 15–20-minute extracts performed by an ensemble.
• A post-show panel discussion – a conversation with the playwrights and translator, chaired by a guest moderator.
• Time to connect – opportunities for informal conversation with visiting artists, the creative teams, and industry peers

Running time: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes, followed by a 30-minute panel discussion.

Note: Following the evening showcase, we will move to The Three Crowns to continue the conversation – hosting our Estonian colleagues in a proper London manner.

We look forward to seeing you at Jermyn Street Theatre and introducing you to these new works and voices.

Presented in association with Jermyn Street Theatre, this showcase is a collaboration between Foreign Affairs – winner of The Stage International Award 2026 – the Estonian Theatre Agency, and the Embassy of Estonia London.

The project is generously supported by the Embassy of Estonia London, the Ministry of Culture, and Arts Council England.