The plays by August Kitzberg, with their vital
problems and fascinating characters, marked the advent of a new
artistic quality on the Estonian stage in the early 20th century.
His three main themes are the curse of money, the curse of alcohol
and alien blood, handled in a remarkably close connection with
folk tradition. The available interpretations form parallel lines
in literary criticism and drama reception, of which the article
tries to establish the possible points of contact.
A closer examination is given to the stage productions by Jaan
Tooming and Mikk Mikiver, and to Mati Unt's text Tuleingel
("The Fiery Angel").
