Ääremaastikud / Peripheries
Landscape Theatre & Analogue Film Camp
10th–19th AUGUST 2026, OBINITSA
What will we do?
We gather in the landscape — and in the village — to create together.
This is a site-specific theatre and analogue film camp, where
performance and film emerge from the same shared process, rooted in both
nature and local cultural life.
Led by Csaba Formanek (HU) — actor, choreographer, and theatre-maker —
we will develop a landscape theatre piece shaped by the body, the
environment, and the presence of others.
The work unfolds in direct
relation to the place: forest paths, open spaces, water, village spaces,
and silence.
The film does not document the theatre.
It listens to it, follows it, transforms it.
It grows from the same gestures, atmospheres, and encounters — yet becomes its own autonomous work, with its own rhythm and visual language.
The theatre exists only once, in time and space.
The film remains as a trace — fragile, material, and alive.
All film material will be developed by hand in Obinitsa, allowing participants to experience the full tactile process of analogue filmmaking.
We work at the intersection of body, landscape, and analogue image — but also within a living cultural environment.
The landscape is not a backdrop — it is a collaborator.
The village is not a setting — it is a presence.
The body is not performing — it is responding.
The film is not recording — it is remembering.
Through slowness, attention, and collective creation, we explore how ephemeral experiences can be held, transformed, and reimagined.
Obinitsa, South Estonia — a unique cultural village in Setomaa, where landscape, traditions, and community life are closely connected.
The camp takes place in collaboration with local hosts and cultural practitioners, offering insight into a living rural environment shaped by strong cultural identity and creative activity.
We live as a temporary community.
Participants stay in tents — please bring your own sleeping bag and camping equipment.
Limited spaces in shared tents possible
Washing takes place in a traditional sauna, as there are no separate shower facilities.
Meals are prepared and shared together.
Participation fee: 100 EUR
Includes materials, workshops, and food.
Participation is open to everyone.
Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis upon payment.
Final deadline for payment: 15 July.
The working language of the camp is English (with Estonian support where needed).
Open to all who are curious about film, theatre, and experimental creation.
No prior experience is required.
# REGISTRATION #
landscape becomes stage,
village becomes context,
time becomes material,
and film becomes memory.
PREVIOUS SHOWS
Program
Monday 10th August
14.00 Meeting in Obinitsa / arrival / accommodation
15.00 Introduction / getting to know each other / group exercises
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Presentation of the camp programme / expectations / creative vision
Tuesday 11th August
9.00 Breakfast
11.00 Group work (theatre / scriptwriting / casting / scenography / costumes)
14.00 Lunch
15.00 Group work continues
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Film screening / discussions / music / movement
Wednesday 12th August
9.00 Breakfast
11.00 Group work (developing scenes / dramaturgy / roles)
14.00 Lunch
15.00 Group work continues
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Film screening / discussions / creative evening
Thursday 13th August
9.00 Breakfast
11.00 Introduction to analogue filmmaking with Peter Kollanyi
12.00 Preparation for shooting
14.00 Lunch
15.00 Shooting (analogue film)
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Watching experimental films / discussion
Friday 14th August
9.00 Breakfast
10.00 Preparing for shooting
11.00 Shooting
14.00 Lunch
15.00 Shooting
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Film screening / reflections
Saturday 15th August
9.00 Breakfast
10.00 Reflection / planning
11.00 Shooting
14.00 Lunch
15.00 Shooting continues
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Free creative evening / music / movement
Sunday 16th August
9.00 Breakfast
11.00 Developing and processing analogue film in Obinitsa
14.00 Lunch
15.00 Film processing continues / viewing material
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Discussion / reflection
Monday 17th August
9.00 Breakfast
11.00 Rehearsals in landscape
14.00 Lunch
15.00 Full run-through / adjustments
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Final preparations
Tuesday 18th August
9.00 Breakfast
11.00 Final preparations
14.00 Lunch
16.00 First performance (landscape theatre walk)
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Second performance
A series of public workshops reducing barriers to creation and performance
A collaboration with the Finno-Ugric Film Fond (FUFF) supported by the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024
Public Workshop I / ‘Interior landscapes’ / Music and theatre
Free opportunity to explore your voice, theatre and hidden musical talents!Time: 9th March 2024, 10:00 - 18:30
Location: Vastseliina Rahvamaja. Upstairs auditorium.
- Voice and melody workshop by Merle Reiter, specialist in methods for accessing the voice with beginners for health, communication and song!
- Theater games and releasing creativity with experienced actor and theatre educator Markus Truup.
- Discover your rhythm: Jam with multi-instrumentalist Tauno Kund.
10-11 Introducing our community Theatre project in August.
11-13 Voice and Melody Workshop with Merle Reiter
13-14:30 Lunch break
Meierei community cafe and supermarket in close walking distance
14:30 - 16:30 Theatre and Creativity Workshop with Markus Truup
16:30 - 17:00 Coffee Break
17:00 - 18:30 Rhythm jam with Tauno Kund
Djembe provided by Väike Werrone Kool (BYO instruments if you have them)
This event is designed for those with no previous experience of music and theatre.
All are welcome regardless of level of experience or confidence.
Participate in as much or as little of the day as you wish.
There is no cost for participation, please bring a snack for the table.
Tea and coffee available for a small fee.
Public Workshop II / ‘Exterior landscapes’ / Educational Hike
Registration coming soon...
Discover the forests and fields through the eyes of Ecology
Time: April 27, 2024 at 12:00-16:00
Location: Eikellegimaa - the ancient valley of Piusa river, Võrumaa
1. Guided hike with ecologist and author Anneli Palo - lessons and values of the natural environment.
**2 hour hike: includes steep trails and river crossings, appropriate footwear and reasonable level of fitness required.
2. Discussions on the connection, values and lessons for us contained in our local natural landscapes.
3. For those involved or interested in the Community Theatre project: Applying this discussion to Brainstorming and Developing the performance elements for the August theater.
**Guided tour and discussions will be in Estonian language however whisper translation will be available on request.
Registration coming soon...
Public workshop III / Characters in Landscapes / Costumes and Craft
Design a character and realise the costume
Time: 25th and 26th of May 2024. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4-hour workshops)
Location: Eikellegimaa - the ancient valley of Piusa river, Võrumaa
Workshop on developing a character, sewing, braiding, masks and props.
Work with traditional hand tools and natural materials.
Workshop leaders: Helen Moppel and Maari Soekov.
Helen Moppel has been active on the Estonian film scene for 20 years as a costume designer, decorator and make-up artist.
Maari Soekov is an artist and illustrator who creates animalistic characters in magical pattern worlds.
Craftsmen from the community are present to assist with tools, materials and techniques
