Priit Pärn’s Animated Film Brought to Life on Stage

In 1987, Priit Pärn’s animated film Breakfast on the Grass was released to the public. This grotesque tale of four intertwined human destinies sharply captured the spirit of the perestroika era. The film also gained international attention and received numerous awards. Breakfast on the Grass remains one of Pärn’s most iconic works to this day — a reminder of why the Soviet Union was ultimately bound to collapse.

Director Tanel Saar reflects:
“I’ve always been captivated by Pärn’s animated film. First, I’m drawn to how the stories of four people are so skillfully woven together. Second, I recognize something in this 30-year-old piece of social critique that still resonates today. Breakfast on the Grass is a satire on bureaucracy. It seems to me that even now, individuals must battle social, societal, and especially bureaucratic nightmares to pursue their dreams — moving toward their goal through humiliation. I’m intrigued by the challenge of finding a way to translate this brilliant animation into theatrical action — to find its counterpart in live performance, accompanied by Madis Muul’s live music. And still, to ask: how far can and must a person go in the name of their dreams?”

Premiere: May 4, 2017, at the Tower Hall of the National Library

The performance is presented in one act and runs 1 hour and 30 minutes.
There were a total of 21 performances — 19 in Tallinn and 2 in Tartu.

Director: Tanel Saar           Set Designer: Pille Kose
Composer: Madis Muul           Choreographer: Marge Ehrenbusch
Lighting Designer: Sander Põllu           Photographer: Siim Vahur (Tallinn City Theatre)
Cast: Liisa Pulk, Kaia Skoblov, Margo Teder,
      Meelis Põdersoo, Tanel Saar, Madis Muul