Rein Aren (25 December 1927, in Tartu – 16 May 1990, in Tallinn) was an Estonian actor and ballet dancer known for his work in theatre, film, and television. He was active during the Soviet era and made significant contributions to Estonian performing arts across several decades.
Early life and education
Rein Aren was born on 25 December 1927 in Tartu, Estonia. He developed an early interest in the performing arts, particularly in dance and acting. From 1946 to 1949, Aren worked as a choir singer and ballet dancer at the Vanemuine Theatre, which is one of Estonia’s oldest and most prominent theatres. In 1951, he graduated from the Estonian studio of GITIS (now the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts), one of the most prestigious theatre schools in the Soviet Union.[1]
Career
Theatre
After graduating from GITIS, Aren joined the Estonian Drama Theatre in Tallinn, where he performed from 1951 until 1972. His repertoire included classical and contemporary roles, and he became known for his versatility on stage.
From 1973 to 1979, he was part of the Russian Theatre in Tallinn (Tallinna Vene Teater), where he acted in productions aimed at Russian-speaking audiences. He returned to the Estonian Drama Theatre in 1979, continuing his career there until his death.[2]
Film and television
Rein Aren appeared in several Estonian and Soviet films, often portraying character roles that demonstrated his depth as an actor. While his filmography is not widely known internationally, he contributed to the cultural landscape of Estonian cinema during a formative period. Some of the films he featured in include:
Valge laev (1970)
Inimesed sõdurisinelis (1968)
Tuulevaikus (1970)
Interpretation
1990
Friends, Comradesas Igumeni
1990
Reginaas Ants' Father
1990
Entrance to the Maze( 1 episode ) as Froben - knigoizdatel
1990
Entrance to Labyrinthlike Froben
1989
Doctor Stockmannas Morten Kiil
1988
The Witch
1985
The R Document( 3 episodes )
1985
Karoliine's Silver Yarnlike King
1985
Hundiseaduse aegu
1984
European Story
1984
Russia Is Young( 9 episodes ) as Snivin
1983
Runas Osvald Rass
1981
The Smacking Seaas Jaak Niilus
1980
Wedding Photolike Ants
1979
Pirates of the 20th Centuryas pirate captain "Master"
1976
Indreklike Slopašev
1974
Dangerous Gamesas Major, Vanamehe isa
1972
Forest Captainas Clarinet
1971
Black Sun
1971
Windy Beachlike Villem
1969
The Red Tentas Karl Eggi (uncredited)
1967
What Happened To Andres Lapeteus?like Haavik
1964
The Bicycle Tamerslike Karl
1964
Traceslike Robert
1963
Under the Same Roofas Peeter Arro
1961
Dangerous Curveslike Raivo
1959
Naughty Curveslike Raivo
1959
Uninvited Guests
1957
Pöördellike Arno
1955
Yachts at Sealike Juhan
Personal life
Rein Aren was the older brother of Väino Aren, a well-known ballet dancer and actor in Estonia. The Aren brothers were both influential figures in the Estonian performing arts scene.[3]
Legacy
Although not as internationally known, Rein Aren is remembered in Estonia as a dedicated stage performer and contributor to the country’s cultural history during the Soviet era. His work at the Vanemuine, Estonian Drama Theatre, and Russian Theatre helped shape generations of Estonian theatrical performance.
Death
Rein Aren died on 16 May 1990 in Tallinn, Estonia, just months before the country regained its independence from the Soviet Union.
