Epp Kaidu (pseudonym; real name Leida Ird, born Leida Rosenblatt; 15 April 1915 Jäärja Parish – 23 June 1976

Tallinn Tallinn is the capital city, capital and List of cities in Estonia, most populous city of Estonia. Situated on a Tallinn Bay, bay in north Estonia, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, it has a population of (as of 2025) and ...

) was a Soviet and Estonian theatre director and actress. In 1936 she graduated from Tartu Stage Art Studio (). In 1952 she graduated from higher courses of direction () in

Moscow Moscow is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Russia by population, largest city of Russia, standing on the Moskva (river), Moskva River in Central Russia. It has a population estimated at over 13 million residents with ...

. From 1937 until 1939, she worked at Tartu Töölisteater. From 1940 until 1941, she worked at the

Vanemuine Vanemuine () is a theatre in Tartu, Estonia. It is the first Estonian language, Estonian-language theatre. Stemming from the Vanemuine Society (1865), the theatre's first performance was Lydia Koidula's ''Saaremaa Onupoeg'' ("The cousin from S ...

theatre in

Tartu Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia after Tallinn. Tartu has a population of 97,759 (as of 2024). It is southeast of Tallinn and 245 kilometres (152 miles) northeast of Riga, Latvia. Tartu lies on the Emajõgi river, which connects the ...

. From 1942 until 1944, she belonged to Estonian SSR State Artistic Ensembles. From 1944 to 1976 she worked as a theatre director at Vanemuine Theatre. In 1936, she wed theatre director and actor

Kaarel Ird Kaarel Ird (27 August 190925 December 1986) was an Estonian theatre leader, director and actor. Ird was born in Riga, and his theatrical career started in 1932 in Pärnu Töölisteater. Since 1940 he worked at Vanemuine Theatre, being most of ti ...

Artistic Style and Influence

Epp Kaidu was renowned for her ability to blend psychological realism with expressive theatrical elements. Her productions often emphasized the fusion of dialogue, music, and choreography, creating performances that were both emotionally resonant and visually compelling. Notable works include Brecht’s ''The Threepenny Opera'' (1964) and Madách’s ''The Tragedy of Man'' (1971), which showcased her innovative approach to staging and her commitment to exploring complex human themes.

Personal Life

Born Leida Rosenblatt in Jäärja Parish, Pärnumaa, in 1915, she adopted the stage name Epp Kaidu early in her career. In 1936, she married fellow theatre director and actor Kaarel Ird. The couple resided at 4 K. A. Hermanni Street in Tartu, a residence shared with composer Heino Eller. Their home became a cultural hub, reflecting their significant roles in Estonian arts.

Family and Legacy

Epp Kaidu and Kaarel Ird had two daughters, including Kais Adlas, who continued the family’s theatrical tradition as an actress. Kaidu's legacy endures through her numerous productions and her influence on Estonian theatre. In 2015, the Vanemuine Theatre commemorated her 100th birthday with a special memorial event, highlighting her enduring impact on the cultural landscape.https://vabalava.ee/en/repertoire/totalitarian-romance/

Awards

*Estonian SSR State Prize (1947, 1948, 1972) *

Order of the Red Banner of Labour The Order of the Red Banner of Labour () was an order of the Soviet Union established to honour great deeds and services to the Soviet state and society in the fields of production, science, culture, literature, the arts, education, sports ...

(1956) *People's Artist of the Estonian SSR (1957) *Order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR (1965) *

Order of Friendship of Peoples The Order of Friendship of Peoples () was an order of the Soviet Union, and was awarded to persons (including non-citizens), organizations, enterprises, military units, as well as administrative subdivisions of the USSR for accomplishments in s ...

(1975)

Productions of plays

* Jakobson's ''Võitlus rindejooneta'' (1947) * Dunajevski's ''Vaba tuul'' (1948) * Miljutin's ''Rahutu õnn'' (1949)

References

1915 births 1976 deaths People from Saarde Parish People from Kreis Pernau Communist Party of the Soviet Union members Estonian stage actresses Estonian theatre directors Estonian women theatre directors Estonian women film directors Soviet stage actresses Soviet theatre directors Soviet women film directors 20th-century Estonian actresses People's Artists of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic Honoured Workers of the Arts Industry of the Estonian SSR Recipients of the Estonian SSR State Prize Recipients of the Order of the Red Banner of Labour Recipients of the Order of Friendship of Peoples {{Estonia-actor-stub