A Modern Take on Shakespeare: Viestur kairish’s “Dream on a summer Night” Premieres at Daile Theater
On January 31, 2025, the Daile Theater unveiled its latest production, Dream on a Summer Night, a reimagining of William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Directed by Viestur Kairish, this visually stunning performance blends past and mythological elements with a contemporary lens, offering audiences a fresh outlook on the Bard’s exploration of human nature.
Kairish’s production is a masterful blend of symbolism and modernity. The director’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s magical forest is a world where love and chaos intertwine, revealing the darker aspects of human instincts. As Kairish himself notes, “The Great Bard’s Dream on a Summer Night has dressed in the cloth of historical and mythological characters, but clearly and clearly wanted to talk about the people who come to watch the theater. Live, present, loving, so real people. With flesh and blood.”
The play’s themes resonate deeply with today’s audience. Matisse Gricmanis, the show’s playwright, reflects on the duality of human nature: “The human nature that seems to serve us and makes us good colleagues and semi-acceptable friends, at one point you can play with us that we can become monsters.” Gricmanis draws parallels between Shakespeare’s era and our own, emphasizing the tension between instinct and reason.The production’s artistic team has brought Kairish’s vision to life with remarkable creativity. Kristaps Kramiņš’s stage design, Jacob Yanchevsky’s evocative music, and Baiba Litiņa’s costumes create an immersive experience. The choreography by Anna Abalikhina and the lighting by Reinis Zalte further enhance the play’s ethereal atmosphere.
The cast delivers powerful performances,bringing Shakespeare’s iconic characters to life. Gints Gravel portrays Theseus, the King of Athens, with regal authority, while Martha Lovisa Yanchevsky embodies the fierce Amazon Queen hippolyta. The chemistry between karl Arnolds ava (Lysander) and Madara Vilchuk (Hermia) captures the tumultuous nature of young love, while Arthur Kruzkop and Ieva Segliņa shine as the fairy rulers Oberon and Titania.
| Key highlights of the production |
|————————————–|
| Director: Viestur Kairish |
| Composer: Jacob Yanchevsky |
| Stage Designer: Kristaps Kramiņš |
| Costume Designer: Baiba Litiņa |
| Choreographer: Anna Abalikhina |
| Light Artist: Reinis Zalte |
The play’s exploration of love, desire, and the subconscious is both humorous and thoght-provoking. As Kairish describes it, “Dream on a summer night is the funniest comedy about the end of the world, and at the same time it is about the invisible world that occasionally brings us as a volcano.”
The Daile Theater’s production of Dream on a Summer Night is a testament to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s work. Supported by the patron Rietumu Bank,the show promises to be a highlight of the theater’s season.
For those seeking a captivating blend of classic literature and modern artistry, Dream on a Summer Night is not to be missed.experience the magic of Shakespeare’s forest and the complexities of human nature at the Daile Theater.
Call to Action: secure your tickets now to witness this remarkable production. Let Viestur Kairish’s vision transport you into a world where love, chaos, and the human soul collide.
