From Perth to Brisbane, beloved Estonian actor Margus Tabor brings his one-man show Mamma Lood to Australia — and he’s also answered a few questions for HEIA ahead of the tour.
Australian Estonian societies across the country are hosting a special theatre treat this February: Mamma Lood, a heartfelt and hilariously recognisable comedy performance by Ugala Theatre actor Margus Tabor.
Drawing on memories of his own grandmother, Margus brings to the stage stories shaped by hardship, resilience and gentle humour — a tribute to disappearing oral histories and the quietly wise worldview of people who call Estonia’s island of Hiiumaa home. These are stories about growing up, family, work, habits, illness, love and all the small details that somehow turn into life’s big lessons.
This is not a strictly scripted comedy show in the traditional sense. Each performance is somewhat unique, shaped by the moment, the audience and the rhythm of live storytelling — which is why there are no subtitles and why every show feels like a shared, once-only experience.
A well-travelled Mamma — now heading Down Under
Mamma Lood has already travelled widely, with performances for Estonian communities in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Brussels, Luxembourg and Germany. Australia, however, is a first.
“I always wonder whether my growing-up story will resonate with people beyond Estonia,” Tabor admits. After one New York performance, a woman told him she wished she’d brought her younger family members along — then they would finally understand why she sometimes seems a bit “odd” to them. Recognition achieved.
Australia, he says, sparks particular curiosity.
“I’m coming with excitement to understand what that something is about this land that has allowed such a strong Estonian community to grow here,” he shares. “Maybe it will help me better understand myself too — as an Estonian, a Hiiumaa islander, and a citizen of the world.”
Why should Australian Estonians come along? In short: because this is storytelling that meets you where you are.
“My performance is about telling stories, and I hope there’s something recognisable in it for everyone,” says Tabor. “Hiiumaa humour for the wide world! Islanders of the world, unite — Hiiumaa and Australia are both islands after all!”
Expect laughter, moments of tenderness, and that unmistakable feeling of yes, I know this person — whether it’s a grandmother, an uncle, a neighbour, or a memory you didn’t realise you were still carrying.
Also on Tabor’s Australian wish list? Encounters with kangaroos and koalas. Organisers, you’ve been warned.
Tour dates and locations
📍 PERTH
🗓 Sunday 15 February 2026 at 5.00 pm
📌 The Jonesway Theatre, 446–448 William St, Perth WA
📍 BRISBANE
🗓 Saturday 21 February 2026 at 7.00pm
📌 Latvian House, 24 Church Ave, Woolloongabba QLD
📍 SYDNEY
🗓 Sunday 22 February 2026 at 4.00 pm
📌 Sydney Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW
📍 MELBOURNE
🗓 Friday 27 February 2026 at 7.00 pm
📌 Melbourne Estonian House, 43 Melville Rd, Brunswick West VIC
🗣 Language: Estonian (no subtitles)
🎟 Tickets: $35 👉 www.trybooking.com/DICGN
Laughter, recognition and the joy of growing up with a grandmother — Mamma Lood promises a warm and memorable afternoon (or evening) wherever it lands. Highly recommended.
Kohtumiseni! See you there!
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🔗 Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18ChBzGEQE/
Acknowledgement
Big thank you to Margus Tabor for the interview and Ave Nukki for information.
