The production in Lielvārde Park was created on the initiative of the municipality of Ogre region, celebrating the 135th anniversary of Andrej Pumpura’s epic “Lāčplēsis”, as well as the 35th anniversary of the rock opera, the performance was performed for the first time in Andrej Pumpura’s birthplace.
The presence of the historical site, the castle ruins of Lielvārde and the flow of Daugava waters have served as a source of inspiration for the creation of the new performance and have become important elements in the performance itself.
Director Rēzija Kalniņa has made the new production of the rock opera “Lāčplēsis” more contemporary, but still as powerful as 35 years ago, allowing you to feel the new meaning and power of the ancient message.
The story of Lāčplēš has not lost its relevance even today, it was confirmed by the audience’s ovation, the agreement in the song and the emotions that pervaded the entire Lielvārde park during the rock opera.
The underwater world came to life in the impressive scenography of the stage, which brought the visitors of the performance into its own reality for a moment. 11 led screens were used for the stage, on which the paintings of the painter Kristine Kutepova, created especially for this event, shone brightly.
The magnificent scenography was complemented by the gorgeous costumes of costume designer Dana Dombrovska. In them, the artist has encoded the story of the specific character in every article, detail and symbol.
Singer Atis Zviedris made his debut in the role of Lāčplēš, Laimdot was played by vocalist Beāte Zvidre, while singer Marts Kristians Kalniņš took on the role of Kangara. It was the mutual relationship of this trio that was at the center of the new rock opera performance.
The soloist of the opera, tenor Raimonds Bramanis, played the role of Lielvārdi, Atis Ieviņš played Dīterich, actor Gundars Grasbergs played the role of Hatter, Jānis Buķelis sang Koknesi, singer Alice Kante played the role of Northern Daughter, singer Anmary played the role of Staburadze, while actress Zane Jančevska played the role of the Narrator. Important roles in the performance were played by the a capella group Latvian Voices, but in the roles of witches and yodas, we saw the talents of the younger generation Sarma Liedi, Austra Kozuliņa, Sanita Rozi, Edvardas Griezi, Tomas Kalderauskis, Tomas Kursītis and Artūras Biķerniekas.
Along with popular artists and bright performers, the production was performed by the amateur art collectives of Ogre region – Lielvārde mixed choir “Lāčplēsis”, youth dance group “Pūpolītis” and folklore group “Josta”, Ķegum mixed choir “Lins” and Tomes folklore group “Graudi”.
The composition of the accompanying musicians is no less magnificent. Zigmars Liepiņš, the author of the music, plays keyboard instruments, Uldis Marhilevičs beside him. Mārcis Auziņš played the guitar, Valters Spružs played the bass guitar, while Gundars Lintiņš played the percussion instruments.
The creative team of the show, led by director Rēzija Kalniņa, also included assistant director Dace Micāne-Zālīte, choreographer Inga Raudinga, scenographer Kristīne Kutepova, costume designer Dana Dombrovska, metal artist Normunds Bērziņš, video artist Artis Dzērve and lighting artist Oskars Pauliņš. Producer Aigars Dinsbergs.
The implementation of the project took place in cooperation with the Culture Center of Ogre County and the Producers Group 7.
2023-07-31 15:56:31
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