FLOOD AND SOLSTICE IN THE STRAUMENI SOUNDS

PROJECT «LATVIAN LINE»

WITH SUPPORT STATE CULTURE CAPITAL FOUNDATION (LATVIA)and CONSULATE GENERAL OF LATVIA IN SAINT PETERSBURG

In poem ?Straumeni? Edvarts Virza was trying to reveal the ancient quintessence of Latvians and the code of the Latvian spirit showing one year in the farm named ?Straumeni?. The performance is based not on words but on sounds and music rising from the action. The action is built around the four main habitual high days ? Miķeļi (the autumn solstice), Christmas, Easter and Midsummer Day. Through the circle of solstices and their special rituals the poetic, philosophic and sacral codes of Latvians are being revealed. The actors of Valmiera Theatre are practicing on playing the traditional Latvian music instruments, and we can expect them to call back to life the colors and shades of the soul and nature of Latvian folk.

Director VIESTURS MEIKSANS (1980) has roused interest among both, the theatre spectators and reviewers. Even his first productions in the theatre Skatuve, when he was still studying in the Academy of Culture, were noticed and nominated for the Annual Latvian Theatre Award 2006 in the category Debut of the Year. He was the winner of the Award 2009 in the category The Young Dramatic Artist for his productions in Valmiera theatre: Phantom Ache by Vasily Sigarev and Marionettes by Ingmar Bergman. The production of the play by the great Latvian poet Rainis Golden Horse, as well as Flood and Solstice in the Straumeni Sounds was nominated for the Latvian Annual Theatre Award 2010, but director himself became the winner of the Award 2010 in the category The Director of the Year.

REINIS SUHANOVS (born on May 29, 1985) is one of the most talented young stage designers. In 2007 his name became well known internationally when he as a 4th grade student gained the Golden medal in the Prague Quadrennial as the most promising young talent. His stage design for Marionettes was nominated for the Latvian Theatre Award 2009 in the category The Stage Designer of the Year.

• Valmiera Drama theatre (f.1923) is leading repertory theatre outside Riga, focusing on Latvian drama and development of the national style of acting. Since 1996 has renovated building with three playing areas. Current repertory: modern versions of classical European and contemporary Latvian drama in the Great hall, intimate performances in the Chamber and Round house. Theatre is organizer of Rudolf Blaumanis International theatre festival.

Director ? Viesturs Meiksans
Stage designer ?? Reinis Suhanovs
Costume designer ? ? Anna Heinrihsone
Light designer ? ? Krisjanis Strazditis
Composer ? Jekabs Nimanis
Choreographer ? Linda Miļa
Choir master ? — Anita Morozova

Actors — Martins Meiers, Inga Silina, Ingus Kniploks, Inese Ramute, Girts Ravins, Ilze Lieckalnina, Oskars Morozovs, Maris Bezmers

Duartion ? 2 hours

Age ? 16+

Valmiera Drama theatre official site