Scandalous theatre legend Milo Rau takes the stage in Estonia for the first time

Swiss theatre director Milo Rau, described by the world's leading media outlets as one of the most influential and scandalous creators of our time, is bringing his production to Estonia for the first time. Performances take place on 1 and 2 July 2026. Rau is known for his politically charged work, which has toured more than 30 countries worldwide.

Swiss theatre director Milo Rau is bringing his production to Estonia for the first time. On 1 and 2 July 2026, Estonian audiences will finally have the opportunity to witness live theatre from a man whom world critics consider one of his generation's most influential directors.

Titles that speak for themselves

The world's major media outlets have competed to describe Rau in superlatives. Die Zeit calls him "the most influential", De Standaard "the most exciting", La Repubblica "the most controversial", the New York Times "the most scandalous" and The Guardian "the most ambitious" creator. Behind these titles are more than 50 productions, films, books and actions that have appeared on stage at all major international festivals, the Berlin Theatertreffen, the Avignon Festival, the Venice Biennale, the Vienna Festival and Kunstenfestivaldesarts in Brussels.

Rau's work has been shown in more than 30 countries around the world. In Estonia, a film he authored was shown in 2022, but live theatre is reaching here for the first time now, in 2026.

Theatre as a political weapon

A director, journalist, playwright, essayist and educator, Rau's identities are as multifaceted as his work. In his work, he often combines documentary material, real-life events and philosophical questions, unafraid to rub up against social taboo topics.

According to Rau, theatre is more than just an art form. "If society decides that theatre is no longer needed, it will disappear quickly. This makes theatre vulnerable and at the same time political," he has said. He continues this line of thought with a question about protection: full houses are the best shield against attacks from both critics and politicians, the public itself gives theatre the right to exist.

First encounter with Estonian audiences

Estonian theatre lovers have a rare opportunity in early July to experience a director whose work the entire European theatre world tries to emulate. More details about the production and venue will emerge in the coming months, but the dates are already set: 1 and 2 July 2026.