CULTURE
The scope and importance of
Estonian literature has steadily increased since the period of
national awakening in the 19th century. Open to cultural and literary
influences of western Europe, Estonian literature developed a
diversity of styles, ranging from Neoclassicism to bold experimentation.
After World War II, Socialist Realism dominated literary expression.
Both Estonian classics and the works of contemporary authors have
been translated into many languages.
The beginning of professional
theatrical art in Estonia is closely connected with the creation
of the Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu in 1870. Tallinn has several
theatres, including an opera and ballet theatre, a drama theatre,
a youth theatre, and a puppet theatre.
While more than 100 newspapers
were published in Estonia during the Soviet era, some with circulations
in excess of 100,000, acute shortages of newsprint after independence
restricted output. In addition, market economics resulted in substantial
increases in publishing costs and therefore in drastic price increases.
