At a special event at the Daile Theater, the book “Artūrs Skrastiņa Spogulija” by theater critic Līvija Dūmiņa was presented, which is a tribute to one of the leading actors of this generation. This year marks 25 years since Artūrs Skrastiņš played in this theater. Authors and actors came to greet colleagues, relatives and friends of the theater at the opening ceremony of the book.
In the book “Artūrs Skrastiņa Spogulija”, published by the publishing house “Zvaigzne ABC”, Līvija Dūmiņa reveals the actor’s path to the big stage and cinema screens, as well as speaks very openly not only with Artūrs Skrastiņš himself, but also with the people with whom his paths have crossed. in both private and professional life. According to the author of the book, she knew that she wanted to write a book about an actor, not a director or a representative of another theater profession.
“I chose an artist of my generation, whose work was already at that time, in 2004, when the idea of the book was born, I am delighted that he is the best actor in Latvia,” says Līvija Dūmiņa about the behind-the-scenes work. “Contrary to the stereotypical assumption that all theater critics are failed actresses, I have never wanted to be an actress. However, I am very interested in the psychology of the actor and the specifics of the profession – how the work with the role takes place, how the image is formed, how the magical transformation takes place, where the actor begins and the director ends, and vice versa. That is why in the book I have studied Artūrs Skrastiņš, becoming a mirror in which to perceive the reflection of his personality and talent. Of course, this reflection would not be complete without the context provided by family, friends and colleagues, so the book is not just a story about the actor Artūrs Skrastiņš. It is also a story about Daile Theater and the most important personalities with whom Artūrs Skrastiņš has formed the history of this theater for 25 years. ”
Artūrs Skrastiņš says that 16 years ago he was addressed by the then future theater critic Līvija Dūmiņa, and from the very beginning his setting was that the events depicted in the book should be open and true.
“The book is not a boring biographical novel, and it is not only about me, but also about the history of Daile Theater for the last 25 years,” admits Artūrs Skrastiņš. ” It has many adventures that are portrayed as fairly as possible, without embellishing or smoothing anything. In 2004, when we started working on the book with Livija, my attitude was that it did not have a release date – it would be published when it was ready in essence. It took 16 years. “
The author of the illustrations and cover of the book is Ilze Vītoliņa – a costume designer with whom Artūrs Skrastiņš has had a long-term collaboration, creating images for various roles. The book includes not only photos from the performances, but also sketches of Ilze Vītoliņa’s costumes.
The book “Artūra Skrastiņa Spogulija” can be purchased at the publishing house “Zvaigzne ABC” and other largest bookstores in Latvia. It is also available in e-book format.
Photo gallery of the event HERE!
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