Theatre director Anne-Lii Päiv told ERR that the expectations were discussed over the course of a year. She also had to consider a 15% budget cut. She said that the number of performances will decrease. If last year there were 400, this year there will be 300. Next year there will be even fewer, about 250.
One of the new expectations is to increase the number of performances in counties. Ida-Virumaa is specifically mentioned, where the theatre has previously done guest performances. Päiv emphasized that this does not only mean Narva. They are also collaborating with the cities of Sillamäe, Kohtla-Järve, and Jõhvi. They give Christmas performances and organize theatre meetings in Rugodiv and Vaba Lava in Narva.
There is also an expectation that the theatre will introduce Estonian dramaturgy to the audience and do so through productions based on Estonian heritage. The chairman of the theatre's board, Margus Allikmaa, said that introducing Estonian heritage to a Russian-speaking audience is a challenge.
Allikmaa emphasized that Südalinna Theatre's task is to introduce Estonian culture to non-Estonians. He said that theatre genres based on Estonian heritage are the best for this. He added that the theatre must make an effort so that the Russian-speaking audience gets to know Estonian culture better.
Although Allikmaa is not afraid of a decrease in attendance due to budget cuts, he acknowledged that there is a risk when bringing the works of Estonian authors to the stage. Previously, the works of Estonian authors have been well received by the audience.
Allikmaa said that parents and schools play an important role in attracting younger audiences. He stressed that schools in Ida-Virumaa are active and watch productions based on Estonian heritage.