We The Nordic

ANNELI THOMSON

On February 21, 2020, “We The Nordic” was held at The Cotton Factory in Hamilton. The evening event was the first of its kind, a partnership between The Cotton Factory and Hamilton Estonian Society that built upon past collaborations including Estonian Music Week events and the Ambassador’s reception last fall.

One of the beautiful things about Estonian culture in Canada is that in some ways, it is almost more traditional than in Eesti itself (beginning with the language, as I was quickly reminded on my first trip back at 16 and my cousin asked “miks sa räägid nagu vana mutt?”) and the organizing committee was seeking a way to capture how everything old is new again, starting at the roots. There was much discussion about the name of the event, but it was simply a focus on our Pohjamaalane identity, the part of us that enjoys sauna, spirits, song, and celebration in the snowy slow days of winter.

Estonian flags and a smiling “tere” from Sten Puust greeted you upon arrival, who was operating the classic old freight elevator that took you to the top floor and back throughout the evening. The hall was amazingly cozy with a large, bare tree hung in the middle, reminding us of our Nordic roots theme.

The evening was a relaxed and casual affair designed for socializing and grazing, guided throughout by Leila Hess, President of the Hamilton Estonian Society. She provided detailed commentary about the historical context of the night while introducing the evening entertainment, starting with the dramatic entrance of the Proverb Spirit “Vanasona Vaim” and forest creatures on stilts! They slowly moved among the crowd to Part Uusberg’s “talveohtul” and shared Estonian proverbs “vanasonad” to all of the attendees.

Throughout the night everyone was musically entertained by the endearing Laululinnud Merike and Helmi Hess, who sang very carefully selected and beautiful Estonian songs, Tor Lukasik-Foss, a local artist who completed a four week residency at Tallinn Art Hall in 2018, and by Norman Reintamm, who played Estonian compositions that were heard for the first time in addition to some classics. Aerial performances on ropes and silks were also featured, adding a bit of homage to our love for gymnastics.

(Full story available via link below)

Kristiina Aasa, Anneli Thomson, Krista Alexopoulos, Lisa Sepp, Kairi West, Leila Hess

(l-r): Tuuli Hess, Anita Saar, Ilze Williamson