From May 3‑8, the historic Niguliste Museum in Tallinn will stage the latest chapter of its ambitious “Dances of Life for Eternity” series: the new production “Halo,” written and performed by choreographer Teet Kask and musician‑composer Kristjan Kannukene.
The two‑day run will transform the medieval sacred space into a living meditation on mortality, blending the ancient iconography of Bernt Notke’s famed Dance of Death with a contemporary dialogue between movement and sound. “Halo” invites audiences to confront death not with dread but with curiosity, turning the inevitability of loss into a portal for deeper life awareness.
A dialogue of light and darkness
Kask and Kannukene have forged a “unique artistic whole” in which choreography and music converse on the borders of life and death, light and darkness. The Greek‑derived title, Halo(meaning “circle” or “disc”), symbolizes the inner light that mortality can reveal. Musically, Kannukene harnesses his background in viola, contemporary improvisation, and intermedia art to craft an evolving sonic landscape that mirrors the dancers’ explorations of transience. The score moves from contemplative strings to electric guitar, bridging classical restraint with improvisational freedom.
A production assembled by a multidisciplinary team
The set and visual design, conceived by Ülar Mark, Mart Anderson, Loreida Hein and Kard Subbi, fuse medieval motifs with minimalist contemporary aesthetics. Lighting by Margus Vaigur shapes the sacred atmosphere, while photography by Stanislav Moškov captures the fleeting moments of performance for archival and promotional purposes.
Context within the “Dances of Life for Eternity” series
Launched in 2025 by Kask, the series has already showcased two previous productions: Dances of Life for Eternity (Maria Solei Järvet & Julius Vaiksoo) and VIIS et modis (Kask & Gustavo Twardy). Each show interprets Notke’s Dance of Death through different lenses, marrying Estonia’s historical heritage with cutting‑edge performance art. “Halo” continues this dialogue, turning the museum’s medieval halls into a contemporary stage for philosophical inquiry.
Artists behind the scenes
- Teet Kask – internationally recognised choreographer, ballet artist with the Estonian National Opera, and former creative director at MUBA. A guest lecturer at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Kask has directed over 65 projects worldwide.
- Kristjan Kannukene – violinist, vocalist, guitarist, composer and intermedia artist. With studies spanning the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Trinity Laban (London), and Lucerne/Zürich Universities of the Arts, Kannukene brings a diverse musical palette to the production.
Support and sponsorship
The event is proudly backed by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia and the fashion house Northern Grip Vintage Clothing, ensuring that both artistic integrity and modern relevance remain at the forefront of this ambitious project.
For those seeking a profound, multisensory exploration of mortality and awakening, “Halo” at Niguliste Museum promises an unforgettable experience.
You can buy tickets to Kask & Kannukene’s Meditative “Halo” performance from Niguliste official website.
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