Latvian Theater Tackles Despair and Empowerment in "Jasmine"
Liepāja, Latvia – Director Dmitrijs Petrenko brings Inga Ābele’s poignant play "Jasmīns" to the stage of the Liepāja Theatre, promising a powerful exploration of humanity’s struggle against despair and the potential for triumphant change.
The play, set against the backdrop of a Latvian countryside home, follows the intertwined lives of Jasmīne, her husband Artis, and her grandmother Gertrude. Their seemingly ordinary existence is shaken to its core by the arrival of Jasmīne’s mother Laura, accompanied by a mysterious Michael.
"This play is about a great despair that sets in when it seems that nothing good will happen in life," explains Petrenko. “And about the opportunity we are giving ourselves to change everything at the root. About the unanswerable question – can the passion we choose to follow bring life, or can it kill?"
The talented cast, featuring Kinty Stuhr, Rolands Bekeris, Anda Albuze, Karina Tatarinova, Edgars Ozolins, Anete Rimkus, Gatis Maliks, Sandis Pesis, and Laura Jeruma, breathe life into Ābele’s compelling characters. Audiences are invited to witness their struggles, their triumphs, and their transformative journey.
“Jasmine"| Last Time | Liepāja Theatre" opens on February 28th, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Liepāja Theatre, with subsequent performances scheduled for 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. For tickets and further information, visit the theater’s website or purchase them through Bilesuparadize.lv.
Image: [Include the provided image of the play]
This production promises a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience, delving into universal themes of hope, desperation, and the enduring power of human connection.
2024-11-30 23:08:00
#liepajnikiem.lv
## “Jasmine” at Liepāja Theater: Exploring despair, Hope, and the Transformative Power of Choice
liepāja Theatre’s upcoming production of “Jasmīns,” directed by Dmitrijs Petrenko, promises a deeply resonant exploration of human struggle and resilience. inga Ābele’s poignant play follows a Latvian family grappling with despair and the possibility of profound change. The talented cast, featuring Kinty stuhr, Rolands Bekeris, and Anda Albuze, tackles challenging themes that resonate universally.
To shed light on the production and its themes, we spoke with director **Dmitrijs Petrenko** and Latvian theatre critic **Dr. Elīna Meiere**, a leading expert in contemporary Latvian drama. Our discussion explores the play’s central conflict,its relevance to contemporary audiences,and the transformative power of choice.
### Despair and the Seeds of change
**World Today News:** Dmitrijs,you describe “Jasmīns” as being about “a great despair” that grips the characters.Can you elaborate on this sense of despair and what triggers it?
**Dmitrijs Petrenko:** The despair stems from a feeling of stagnation, a belief that nothing good will ever happen. The characters are caught in routines and cycles of disappointment. Laura’s arrival disrupts this equilibrium, forcing them to confront their buried desires and the possibility of change.
**World today News:** dr. Meiere, how does “Jasmīns” connect to the broader themes present in contemporary Latvian drama?
**Dr. elīna Meiere:** Latvian drama often explores themes of displacement,loss,and the search for identity.”Jasmīns” reflects these concerns through the lens of a family struggling to find meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
### The Power of Choice and Transformation
**World Today News:** Dmitrijs, the play also seems to suggest that within this despair lies the potential for transformation. How is this duality explored onstage?
**Dmitrijs Petrenko:** We see characters grapple with difficult choices. Do they succumb to apathy and resignation, or do they embrace the possibility of change, even if it’s painful? The play doesn’t offer easy answers.It presents a nuanced perspective on the human capacity for both self-destruction and redemption.
**World Today News:** Dr.Meiere, how does the play engage with the audience? Does it offer a sense of hope?
**Dr. Elīna Meiere:** Ābele’s writing is incredibly powerful. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world we live in. “Jasmīns” doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but it ultimately suggests that within despair lies the potential for profound growth and transformation.
### “Jasmine” Onstage: A Theatrical experience
**World Today News:** Dmitrijs, tell us about your approach to bringing this complex story to the stage.
**Dmitrijs Petrenko:** We’ve opted for a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the power of the dialog and performances to take center stage. The set design creates a sense of claustrophobia, reflecting the characters’ inner struggles.
**World Today News:** What impact do you hope “Jasmīns” will have on audiences?
**Dmitrijs Petrenko:** I want audiences to leave the theatre feeling challenged, moved, and perhaps even inspired to examine their own lives and the choices they make.
**”Jasmine”: A Catalyst for Reflection**
“Jasmīns” promises a powerful theatrical experience that delves into the depths of human experience.Through its honest portrayal of despair, hope, and the transformative power of choice, the play offers a timely and thought-provoking reflection on the challenges faced by individuals navigating an often-complex world.
Don’t miss “Jasmīns” at Liepāja Theatre. Opening night: February 28th, 2025.
**Further Exploration:**
* For more on Latvian theatre, visit [link to Latvian theatre website].
* Read our interview with Inga Ābele on the inspiration behind “Jasmīns” [link to interview article].
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on “Jasmīns” and the themes explored in the play.
