Theatrum director Lembit Peterson: we've fought the culture war with honest means

Theatre director and educator Lembit Peterson spoke on Vikerraadio about Theatrum's mission-driven identity and the critical state of theatre funding in Estonia. Peterson emphasised that the theatre's creative purpose is central to its ensemble, while warning that the current funding situation for theatres has reached a borderline state.

Lembit Peterson, the artistic director, stage director and educator known for leading Theatrum, has spoken openly about the theatre's founding principles and the difficult financial landscape facing Estonian theatres today. Speaking on Vikerraadio, Peterson described Theatrum as a mission theatre from its very beginning — one where the artistic content pursued by the creative ensemble holds paramount importance.

Peterson stressed that the values and purpose behind each production are not incidental but central to what drives the entire troupe. For Theatrum, the 'why' of theatre-making has always taken precedence, and this sense of artistic mission has shaped the company's identity throughout its existence.

However, Peterson did not shy away from addressing the more pressing material concerns. He described the current state of theatre funding in Estonia as borderline, suggesting that the financial pressures on cultural institutions have reached a critical threshold. Many theatres across the country are navigating an increasingly uncertain funding environment.

Despite these challenges, Peterson expressed a sense of principled resolve. He noted that in what he called the 'culture war' — the broader struggle for resources, relevance, and recognition within Estonian cultural policy — Theatrum has consistently sought to use honest means rather than resorting to political manoeuvring or opportunism.

Peterson's comments reflect a wider conversation in Estonia about sustainable funding models for the arts, and whether institutional culture can be preserved when financial support becomes unpredictable. His remarks on Vikerraadio add a prominent voice to that ongoing debate.