Mārtiņš Eihe Brings “California Hills” to Daile Theater: A Family’s Secrets Unfold
Following the success of “Midnight Show with Judas Iscariot,” Mārtiņš Eihe is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest production, “California Hills,” at the Daile Theater’s Main Stage. This emotionally charged play, infused with the music of playwright Jez Butterworth, delves into the hidden secrets of a family grappling with their past and present.
Originally a hit in London’s West End, “California Hills” was directed by the acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Sam Mendes, known for his work on “American Beauty” (1999) and “Skyfall” (2012). The production earned a prestigious Olivier Award nomination for Best New Drama, solidifying its place as a must-see theatrical experience.
A Tale of Family, Music, and Unspoken truths
Set in the 1970s in the seaside town of Blackpool, the story revolves around the Webb sisters and their once-thriving Victorian guesthouse. Now faded and neglected, the house serves as a backdrop for the family’s reunion as their mother lies on her deathbed. Years ago,their mother,a woman of iron will,had envisioned her daughters as global music sensations. However, their dreams were shattered by the passage of time and an unforeseen event that brought their ambitions to a halt.
As the sisters gather,they reminisce about their unfulfilled futures,competing for their mother’s approval and reflecting on their lives. Through delicately choreographed song and dance numbers, they reveal memories, resentments, and bittersweet longings from their childhood. The play takes a poignant turn as they recall the fateful day when a famous producer offered them a chance at stardom—and financial stability. The haunting melody of “The Hills of California” echoes in the distance, transporting the family back to that pivotal moment.
Cast and Creative Team
The stellar cast includes Vita Vārpiņa, Ilze Ķuzule-Skrastiņa, erika Eglija-Grāvele, Ieva Segliņa, Dārta Daneviča, Dainis Gaidelis, Aldis Siliņš, Artis Robbežnieks, and Gints grāvelis. Directed by Mārtiņš Eihe, the production features a talented creative team, including scenographer adrian Tom Kulpe, costume designer Madara Botmane, choreographer Liene Grava, and lighting artist Reinis Zalte.
Premiere Date: March 21, 2025
Olga Tokarczuk’s “Drives Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead”: A Thrilling Eco-Drama
In another compelling production, the Daile Theater presents Olga Tokarczuk’s “Drives Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” a gripping vegetarian thriller. The story follows a solitary woman in a rural community whose dogs go missing, setting off a chain of mysterious deaths among local hunters. As the investigation unfolds,the clues point to an astonishing conclusion: could the animals be seeking revenge for the lives lost to hunting?
Based on Tokarczuk’s award-winning novel,which has garnered international acclaim,including the Booker Prize,the play explores themes of eco-terrorism and anti-Christian sentiment. Directed by Agnieszka Holland, this thought-provoking production has been hailed as a “profoundly anti-Christian work” by a Polish newspaper.
Cast and Creative Team
The cast features Čulpana Hamatova, Imants Strads, juris Bartkevičs, Artūrs Skrastiņš, Lauris Subatnieks, Andris Bulis, Mārtiņš Meiers, Ęirts Ķesteris, Kaspars Dumburs, Arturs Krūzkops, Katrīna Griga, Indra Briķe or Kristīne Nevarauska, Lidija Pupure or Olga Dreģe. Directed by Ola Mafalani,the production boasts a creative team including scenographer German Ermich,costume designers MAREUNROL’S,and music composer Krists Auznieks.
Both “California Hills” and “Drives Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead” promise to deliver powerful storytelling and thought-provoking narratives, making them must-see events for theater enthusiasts.
For tickets and more details, visit the Daile Theater’s website or call their box office.
Groundbreaking Dance Production set to Debut on April 4, 2025
A highly anticipated dance production is set to take the stage on April 4, 2025, featuring a powerhouse team of creative talents. Leading the charge is choreographer Elina Gedina, whose innovative vision is expected to captivate audiences. Lighting artist Alex brock (also known as Alex Brok) brings his expertise to illuminate the performance,while assistant director Diana kayak ensures every detail is meticulously crafted.
This premiere promises to be a groundbreaking event, blending artistry and technical brilliance to create an unforgettable experience. The collaboration between these three visionaries is already generating buzz among dance enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
A Visionary Team
Elina Gedina,the mastermind behind the choreography,is known for her ability to push artistic boundaries. Her work frequently enough explores themes of movement and emotion, creating a seamless fusion of dance and storytelling. “I’m thrilled to bring this vision to life,” Gedina said. “The collaboration with Alex and Diana has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Alex Brock, whose innovative lighting designs have earned him acclaim in the industry, is set to transform the stage with his unique approach. “Lighting is more than just illumination; it’s an integral part of the storytelling,” Brock explained. “I’m excited to see how the audience reacts to the interplay of light and movement.”
Diana Kayak, the assistant director, brings her organizational prowess and creative insight to the production. “Every detail matters,” Kayak noted.”From the choreography to the lighting, we’re crafting a performance that will leave a lasting impression.”
A Date to Remember
Mark your calendars for April 4, 2025, as this exceptional production takes center stage. The premiere is expected to draw a diverse audience, from seasoned dance aficionados to newcomers eager to experience the magic of live performance.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so those interested are encouraged to secure their seats early. This is one event you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes insights as the countdown to the premiere begins. This is a dance production that promises to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression.
### Mārtiņš Eihe Discusses teh Emotional Depth and Artistic Vision Behind “California Hills”
**Introduction:**
In an exclusive interview, Mārtiņš Eihe, the visionary director behind the highly anticipated production of ”California Hills” at the Daile Theater, shares insights into the emotional depth, creative process, and the powerful themes that drive this captivating play. set to premiere on March 21, 2025, “California Hills” promises to be a transformative theatrical experience, blending music, dance, and storytelling to explore the intricate dynamics of family and the unspoken truths that bind them.
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#### **The Genesis of “California Hills”: A Journey from London’s West End to Riga**
**Senior Editor (SE):** Mārtiņš, “California Hills” has already made waves in London’s West End, earning an Olivier Award nomination. What inspired you to bring this production to the Daile Theater’s Main Stage?
**Mārtiņš Eihe (ME):** The story of the Webb sisters resonated deeply with me—thier struggle to reconcile their dreams with the harsh realities of life. When I first saw Sam Mendes’ direction in London, I knew this was a story that needed to be told on a broader stage. the Daile Theater provides the perfect setting to bring this emotional journey to life, with its rich history and commitment to artistic excellence.
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#### **Themes of Family, Music, and Unspoken Truths**
**SE:** The play delves into the complexities of family dynamics, especially the tension between dreams and reality. How did you approach bringing these themes to the forefront?
**ME:** Family is a global experience, and every family has its secrets and unspoken truths. In “California Hills,” the Webb sisters’ story is a microcosm of that universal experience.Through the music of Jez Butterworth and the choreography of liene Grava, we aimed to create a visceral connection between the audience and the characters. The haunting melody of “The Hills of California” serves as a leitmotif, evoking both the beauty and the pain of their shared past.
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#### **The Cast and Creative Team: A Collaborative Effort**
**SE:** The cast and creative team for “California Hills” are nothing short of stellar. How did you assemble this talented group, and what role did collaboration play in shaping the production?
**ME:** Collaboration is at the heart of every prosperous production.From Vita Vārpiņa to Gints Grāvelis, each actor brought their unique perspective to the table. Adrian Tom Kulpe’s scenography and madara Botmane’s costumes helped create the visual world of the faded Victorian guesthouse, while reinis Zalte’s lighting design added layers of emotional depth. Together, we crafted a production that is greater than the sum of its parts.
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#### **The Emotional Journey of the Webb Sisters**
**SE:** The Webb sisters’ journey is both poignant and relatable. How did you ensure that their emotional arcs resonated with the audience?
**ME:** Emotion is the driving force behind “california hills.” We spent countless hours workshopping scenes to ensure that every moment felt authentic. the sisters’ competition for their mother’s approval, their reflections on unfulfilled dreams, and their bittersweet longings are all drawn from real-life experiences. By grounding the performances in truth, we hope to create an emotional connection that lingers long after the curtain falls.
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#### **A Must-See Production: What Audiences Can Expect**
**SE:** With such a rich narrative and talented team, what can audiences expect from “California Hills”?
**ME:** “California Hills” is more than just a play—it’s an experience. Audiences can expect to be transported to the seaside town of Blackpool, where they will witness the unfolding of a family’s secrets through song, dance, and dialog. It’s a production that challenges the boundaries of artistic expression and leaves a lasting impact.
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**Conclusion:**
As the countdown to the premiere of “california Hills” begins, Mārtiņš Eihe and his team are poised to deliver a theatrical experience that promises to be both emotionally resonant and artistically groundbreaking. With its powerful themes, stellar cast, and meticulous attention to detail, ”California Hills” is undoubtedly one of the must-see events of 2025. Don’t miss your chance to witness this captivating journey unfold on the Daile Theater’s Main Stage.
