Paper: President's centennial reception to feature film, not concert
The program of the President of Estonia's centennial reception, to be held at the Estonian National Museum (ERM) in Tartu on Feb. 24, will include a feature film in lieu of the traditional concert, according to Theatre NO99.
The NO99 collective, which has been charged with creating the artistic solution for the centennial reception, is currently working on a half-hour film to be both screened for the 1,500 guests at ERM as well as shown on TV to viewers across the country, wrote daily Õhtuleht (link in Estonian).
It is reportedly because they have opted to produce a film that NO99's labor costs have amounted to €300,000.
The theater's plans for the program do not include a traditional concert, but a few songs will be played at the conclusion of the film, including at least one that was commissioned from Tõnis Mägi, and Trad.Attack! will perform following the conclusion of the formal program.
"I certainly wouldn't say that the concert will be replaced by a film," said Taavi Linnamäe, public relations adviser to the president. "We have said from the start that ERM is giving us new opportunities, and on the other hand is setting limitations as well, as there is no traditional concert or theater hall there that would include a large stage."
But what exactly NO99 has in store, Linnamäe wouldn't say. "It has always been a surprise," he explained. "We'll see on the night of Feb. 24 exactly what will take place there."
Editor: Aili Vahtla
