From the very beginning of the show, the performance is direct and clear: the artist explains the setting, the duration, and the fact that the material contains dark humor. He also reassures the audience that he will be speaking for an hour, with no crowd work, so nobody needs to feel nervous. All of this is presented in a raw, straightforward, and humorous format.
The comedian frames comedy as a way to explore personal stories of insecurities and prejudices before his life was turned upside down. This narrative is structured as a farewell, looking at what came before and after this pivotal moment. The show is characterized by a sharp, biting tone and dark humor.
The production digs deep into growing up in Estonia in the 1990s, addressing the cultural perception of expressing feelings (especially among men), experiences with drugs, school years, and the sense of persecution felt by many Estonian parents at the time. The artist draws parallels with his later experience as a schoolteacher, reflecting on what it means to teach in an Estonia shaped by ChatGPT, PISA results, and changing educational values.
Throughout the show, Popov creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, like listening to jokes from a funny (and dark) uncle who has become a character of his own. This was enhanced by the fact that he performed without a microphone; thanks to the acoustics and the strength of his voice, it never felt necessary.
His performance look was also used as material for jokes and pranks, especially around his stage persona such as comparing himself to “Winnie the Pop.” The aesthetic blended seamlessly with the venue, a vintage retro shop in Telliskivi called Kopli Couture, adding to the charm of the experience.
The audience was invited to revisit their own childhood memories of 1990s Estonia, not only through social dynamics but also through the lens of media culture from that decade. For foreigners like myself, who didn’t grow up here, it was like piecing together history through cousins, Google searches, and lived impressions.
In the end, Popov returned to the farewell letter that framed the beginning of the show, leaving the audience with the message of facing life with humor and not being afraid to speak up when we are not feeling well.
Aleksandr Popov’s Why I Stayed can be seen on Fridays 5 and 12 September at 1900 at Kopli Couture. He’s bringing two additional shows to the Tallinn Fringe Festival as well: Post-Soviet Upbringing can be seen on 6 and 8 September at 1900 at Ratas&Kohv, and 50 Shades of Bouncer at 1900 on 16 and 18 September at Ratas&Kohv.
Author: Isi Salcedo
I’m a stand-up comedian and comic artist from Santiago, Chile, now living in Tallinn, Estonia. I create stories that make people laugh, think, and feel, whether through my graphic novels like Diaries of an Au Pair or comedy shows like Flipping the 30s. I’m passionate about storytelling and exploring how art can connect us to emotions and experiences across cultures
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get the latest posts delivered right to your email.