
Theater


The annual contemporary theater festival 'Homo Novus' has published details of this year's offerings, with a wide range of domestic and international performers on offer.

Latvia's northern city of Valmiera is the place for theater lovers to head to this weekend with the staging of the annual Summer Theater Festival on August 4, 5 and 6.

Following the lead of the chief artistic director Elmārs Seņkovs, other high-ranking staff have left the National Theater, Latvian Radio reported August 2.

Theater director Elmārs Senkovs will leave the post of artistic director of the Latvian National Theater, Latvian Television reported August 1.

The actress Lilita Ozoliņa (19.11.1947–05.06.2023.) passed away on June 5, the Dailes Theater said.

State-owned JSC State Real Estate (Valsts nekustamie īpašumi, VNĪ) and SBSC (Skonto Būve/Skonto Construction) have agreed to finish and commission the building of the New Rīga Theater (JRT) by the end of the year, VNĪ Board Member Jeļena Gavrilova told LSM on March 23.

The full company “SBSC” (Skonto Būve” and “Skonto Construction”) has submitted an offer for the completion of the works of the New Rīga Theater (JRT) – on October 29 of this year, but “State Real Estate” (VNĪ) has not received any evidence that the builder can meet the deadline, according to VNĪ board member Jeļena Gavrilova, LSM's culture editorial reported on February 6.

The artistic director of the New Riga Theater (JRT), Alvis Hermanis, announced on social networks that the theater, in protest against delays in the completion of construction of the theater building on Lāčplēša Street, will stop staging new plays, Latvian Television reported on January 18.

In January, Jūrmala Theater has opened its doors to visitors after reconstruction, housing a troupe of amateur theater actors, a puppet theater studio, and a youth theater studio, the local government said Monday.

A jury of Latvian theatrical figures created an instant drama of their own November 23 by handing one of the country's top prizes to a Russian actress.

One of the most famous Latvian theater, radio, and film actresses Velta Skurstene has passed away aged 91, her daughter Zane Lāce said on November 12.

In a month's time, the Latvian National Ballet will turn one hundred years old, with a grand concert planned to mark the anniversary at the Opera House.

During the reconstruction of its landmark building the acclaimed Valmiera Drama Theater has found a new home in a former boiler house, hence its name: "Kurtuve" (Fireplace).

Andris Freibergs, distinguished scenographer and professor, has died aged 83, head of Latvian Theater employees union Ojārs Rubenis told Latvian Television.

In the second half of August, the “Dirty Deal Teatro” (DDT) show cycle “Summer Theater in Pārdaugava” invites viewers to enjoy readings and performances as part of the Rīga summer cultural program, the theater's representatives said on August 10.

Renowned American actor John Malkovich has been responsible for the hottest theatrical tickets in town this season with a performance on the Rīga stage.

On Sunday, May 29, Latvian actress and former Saeima deputy Ausma Kantāne-Ziedone has died aged 80, Dailes Theater director Juris Žagars told Latvian Television.

"Art is not out of politics, we fight for every spectator and his support for Ukraine. Every appearance on the stage, purchased ticket, published news – these are all small steps on the way to our common victory in the cultural fight against Russian aggression."

Theater-goers are in for a rare treat later this month with some high-quality English-language performances being staged.

On November 16, Dirty Deal Teatro will premiere the "Sēņošanas čempionāts 2021" (Mushrooming championship 2021) play centering around the mushroom world so dear to Latvians, Latvian Radio reported.

On November 6 and 7 an innovative take on theatrical performance will take place in Latvia with the audience invited to participate in a "phone call performance".

Latvian, Estonian and Dutch playwrights and producers have put together a brand new format of theater in the themes of the pandemic, Latvian Television reported March 18.

Late March and April will bring two new productions from the popular Liepāja Puppet Theater, with performances taking place online.

Artists of the Latvian National Ballet are using the current pandemic time to work on a new production: a ballet based upon Bram Stoker's horror classic, "Dracula".

Latvian diaspora theatres have established the World Union of Latvian Amateur Theaters (Pasaules latviešu amatieru teātru savienība) (PLATS), Latvian Culture Center in Birmingham said January 18.

Vidzeme Television reported October 18 that despite the limitations of COVID-19, tickets to theatrical settings are sold out, according to Valmiera drama theater and Dailes theater.

From August 28 to September 10, the International New Theater Festival “Homo Novus” will take place in Riga and Cēsis, organizers said August 10.

Liepāja Theater director Herberts Laukšteins told Rus.lsm.lv on July 21 that Liepāja was the only theater which had not received compensation in the COVID-19 crisis and will be forced to close unless the money comes in.

The “Postwest” intercultural theater festival has moved from the Berlin Theater to the digital environment: from 24 to 26 June, shows, show records, discussions and other cultural events will be online. Three projects from Latvia will also participate in the festival, said Gertrude Street Theater on June 17.

Latvian National Theater plans to offer an e-theater project titled "Baltais Kubs" (The White Cube), Latvian Radio reported on May 22.
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