Liliana Helmane’s The Small Fox: A Timeless Exploration of Human Passions
Liliana Helmane (1905-1984) stands as a towering figure among 20th-century American playwrights, her name frequently enough mentioned alongside luminaries like Tennessee Williams and Judin O’Neill. Her works, celebrated for their exploration of individual freedom and the metaphysical forces shaping human behavior, continue to resonate with audiences today. Helmane’s plays delve into the complexities of human relationships, revealing how seemingly innocuous actions can spiral into profound consequences.
One of her most enduring works, The Small Fox, premiered on Broadway in 1939 and has since become a staple of theater stages worldwide.The play’s gripping narrative, which intertwines psychological tension, family drama, and the relentless pursuit of love and money, has captivated audiences for decades. In 1948,composer Mark Blicstein was so inspired by Helmane’s work that he adapted it into the opera Regina. Most recently, a new production of The Small Fox debuted at London’s Young Vic theater in late 2024, reaffirming the play’s timeless relevance.
Director Kristīne Krūze, who is helming the upcoming production at the new Riga Theater, describes The Small Fox as “an extremely skillfully written play.” She notes, “It has so many layers and different types of relationships—between husband and wife, between relatives, and even with a child who is manipulated and overlooked. Each character has a whole life story beneath the surface, making it easy for audiences to emotionally connect with the narrative.”
At its core, The Small Fox explores the theme of money, a subject that remains universally relevant. Krūze emphasizes, “Money is freedom, even today. From my perspective as a woman, I’ve experienced finances as a tool for manipulation and power in situations where I felt vulnerable and unprotected. I think this is still happening far to often.” Her insights highlight the play’s enduring relevance, particularly in addressing issues like gender inequality in wages, which persists even in modern societies like Latvia.
Krūze, known for her acclaimed productions such as Talking About Sex (2022) and Lakstigalu House (2018), brings her signature depth and nuance to this latest staging of The Small fox. The production, set to premiere on February 21, 2025, at the JRT Grate Hall, features a stellar cast including sandra Klavina, Andris Keišs, and Gundars Āboliņš. The creative team includes translator Ieva Lesinska, stage designer Alvis Hermanis, and costume designer Kristīne Jurjāne.
Key Highlights of The Small Fox Production
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Playwright | Liliana Helmane |
| Premiere Date | February 21, 2025 |
| Venue | New Riga Theater, JRT Great Hall |
| Director | Kristīne Krūze |
| Main Themes | Money, family dynamics, manipulation, gender inequality |
| Notable cast | Sandra Klavina, Andris Keišs, Gundars Āboliņš, Jana Čivžele |
As audiences prepare to experience The Small fox once again, Helmane’s masterful storytelling and Krūze’s visionary direction promise to deliver a production that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Don’t miss this possibility to witness a timeless classic brought to life by some of the most talented artists in contemporary theater.For more information on Liliana Helmane’s legacy, explore her biography on Britannica or delve into her impact on American theater in The New Criterion.
