Jelgava 94
One of the most eagerly awaited film projects of recent years is this adaptation of Jānis Joņevs' novel of the same name, a coming of age tale set in the grunge scene of Latvia's southern city, Jelgava. It's just come out on general release so if you want to be able to join in with the endless bar-room discussions about whether it captures the spirit of the book, or the times, or Jelgava, you'd better go see it.
Rutulis on tour
He may not be the trendiest name to drop at parties but we must admit we have a massive soft spot for Normunds Rutulis, surely one of the hardest-working people in Latvian showbiz. A crooner of the old-fashioned school he can useful employ his pleasant voice and smiling presence to interpret anything from folk songs to foot-stompers to show tunes, jazz standards, power ballads and pop covers.
You always get your money's worth from a Rutulis show and he's now on the road on a nationwide tour titled Man nav Žēl (I'm not sorry) which sums up our feelings about liking him perfectly and which everyone from granny to grandchildren can enjoy. He has dates over the next few weeks in Jelgava, Aizkraukle, Talsi, Alūksne, Ādaži, Rīga, Kuldīga, Liepāja and Valmiera.
Rīga Circus new season
Rīga's famous Circus is making a very commendable effort to reinvent itself. Setting aside the use of performing animals and other things that can make modern audiences feel ill at ease, the permanent big top is now a center where human capabilities and performances are stretched to new limits and given very imaginative expression.
The opening of the new season of Rīga circus is scheduled for September 19 and 20 with the “Circo eia” (Spain) show “inTarsi“ featuring four acrobats who, through use of platforms, springboards and a balancing board, play around the story of human relationships. The next big show this season will be “Machine de cirque” (Canada)
It is definitely worth supporting this venerable institution in its new form, so why not get a ticket and try it out. Full details from the very helpful and multilingual website.