The play based on the novel was written by playwright Krista Burāne, and the play about a young person’s journey of self-discovery and self-discovery, which inevitably includes the desire to stand against the norms and order accepted in society, will premiere tomorrow, April 26.
A novel Jelgava ’94 created in 2012, it tells about Jelgava in the 1990s and young people’s passion for alternative culture and heavy metal music. After its publication in 2013, the debut work of Jānis Jonevs received several important awards, the novel was translated into more than ten languages and won the love of readers not only in Latvia, but throughout Europe. In 2019, a film based on the novel with the same name, directed by Jānis Ābele, was released.
The performance takes place in 1994 and 1995 in Jelgava. Its main character – 14-year-old Jānis – is looking for his identity and freedom in music. In heavy music. It is important for Jānis, together with his friends, to stand on the opposite side of everything that society considers correct. Quietly, but unstoppably, the dream of founding a legendary heavy metal band is born among friends. Such as are not yet available in Latvia.
The cast of the show consists of Matīss Millers, Rūta Dishler, Arnita Jaunzeme, Lilija Sūna, Kristina Varša, Anna Klišāne and Miķelis Židelūns. On the other hand, the actors Rihards Zelezņevs, Rūdolfs Apse and Anrijs Sirmais will transform into an alternative music group in the production, which will play live both famous heavy metal hits and original music created by Jēkabs Nīmanis and the young poet Kiril Ćečas. The visual design of the show, the central elements of which are paper bag masks with expressive facial expressions of the characters, is taken care of by the artist Pamela Butāne and her assistant Signija Joce, the choreography of the show is created by Alice Putniņa, the light score by Arta Kronberga.
The show is intended for young people from the age of 14, but will also be engaging for adults. As actor Miķelis Židelūns admits in a conversation with Latvijas Radio: “In my opinion, works that are meant for young people are also meant for young people’s parents. Otherwise, they forget how it was when they themselves once had to fight with the feelings of adolescence.”
In May, the performance will be included in the school programs of the Latvian Puppet Theater T hour in the offer.
The next performances are on April 27, 28.
Tags: Opposition metal teenage doubts Roman Jelgava life stage Puppet Theater Diena
