The eagerly awaited CPPM Manifestal has been announced, beckoning the talented CPPM master’s students of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Following two years of intensive learning under the guidance of world-renowned artists, these young makers are poised to step onto the international stage, presenting their creations to audiences, curators, and producers in Estonia and globally. This spring marks the festival’s second edition, unveiling the final projects of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s international MA in Contemporary Physical Performance Making (CPPM).

Professor Jüri Nael, the head of CPPM at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, sheds light on the festival’s background: “CPPM Manifestal spans three months – from mid-March to mid-June. In addition to 60 performances, the event features various workshops, lectures, audio journeys, discussions, and conversations on performing arts. Each premiere is followed by a discussion with the artist to delve deeper into the processes, backgrounds, and sources of inspiration behind the production. All these events create a vibrant and exciting festival atmosphere that significantly enriches the landscape of Estonian performing arts.”

The festival’s program is international, showcasing the work of 14 emerging artists from 11 different countries: Jennifer Bagg (Australia), DongBin Lee (South Korea), Rebecca Green (United States), Amy Reade (England), Javier Cárcel Hidalgo-Saavedra (Spain), Katia Skylar (Finland), Misia Żurek (Poland), Rasmus Jensen (Denmark), Sofia Filippou (Greece), Kymbali Williams (Ghana/England/Estonia), Britt Kõrsmaa, Elo Tuule Järv, Kirte Jõesaar, Kreete Tarmo (all from Estonia). All projects are created specifically for the festival, presenting 14 new productions during the event.

While the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre takes the lead in organizing the festival, it is carried out in collaboration with numerous partners, including venues such as JAIK, Von Krahl Theatre, Kanuti Gildi SAAL, Viimsi Artium, Vene teater, and more. Additionally, undiscovered venues like the ruins of Ungru Castle, Kiviõli ash mountains, Pirita TOP pool, Tallinn urban space, and various pop-up galleries will host performances. This year, CPPM Manifestal also features smaller sub-festivals, such as “Next Stop”, curated by Von Krahl, focusing on the relationship between the individual and society.

The first CPPM Manifestal took place in 2021, featuring noteworthy productions like Liisa Saaremäel’s “Tiny Home Productions Presents: Bigger Than Life” (in collaboration with ULM), which won the 2022 theatre award in the performing arts category. Keithy Kuuspu’s “False Falling” (in collaboration with STL) earned her the Crystal Slipper award and a nomination for the best dance production. Paolo Panizza’s production “Por Toi” reached the finals in the young directors’ category at the 2022 Venice Theatre Biennale.

The festival will take place from March 13 to June 17, 2024. The program will be continuously updated!

For more information: www.manifestal.ee

Tickets are available at Piletikeskus.