Character in the show “Interlellis – 67” (1967). Photo: Latvian Puppet Theater
P. Shenhof’s grotesque and romantic puppets and the maximally functional arrangement of the stage space are revealed in director Tina Herzberg’s first shows for adult audiences – I. Štok’s “Devil’s Mill” (after J. Orda, 1955) and the play “Oh, heart!” (V. Grēviņš after V. Polyakov, 1957). With these productions, the tradition of staging shows for adults begins in the Puppet Theater.
In cooperation with the director Arvīdas Cepurītis, a play about the good soldier Šveiks is created – “Šveiks” (1974) and “Šveiks on the Front” (both after J. Hašek, 1975). In the play “Interlellis – 67” (1967) Pāvils Šenhoff participated not only as an artist, but also as a co-author of the script. This stage work becomes the quintessence of all previous creative pursuits. Here, the dolls (and there are 120 of them!) are made of springs, wires, ropes, foam, allowing for eclecticism, which is not a classic choice in the artist’s stylistics, but in this production becomes a deliberate and purposeful key to the form. The 1983 production “And again Pifs…” became a legend, for which the artist also became the author of dramaturgy and direction. The show has been performed in the repertoire of the Latvian Puppet Theater for 40 years without a break.
Bertolt Brecht’s “The Three Graces Opera” (1960). Photo: Latvian Puppet Theater
For those who want to learn more about the artist’s life and creative biography, it can be found in the monograph “Honorary Citizen of the Puppet World” dedicated to the artist written by Alda Line, published by the “Neputns” publishing house in 2014. In honor of the centenary of Pāvilas Šenhoff, two exhibitions are currently on view – in the Sabile Art, Culture and Tourism Center, as well as in the RCB branch library “Vidzeme”. More information Puppet Theater Web site.
Photo: Nikolajs Ziraps
2024-01-05 08:08:21
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