The idea for such a project arose in the early summer, when Mārtiņš Eihe became a board member of the Puppet Theater. “Working together to understand the processes we do together.” Some would call it getting to know each other, strengthening the collective. The entire creative ensemble of the theater takes part in the performance. The directors Vija Blūzma, Edgars Kaufelds and Edgars Niklasons work together with M. Eihi on the extensive concert program of almost 30 numbers, while the content structure is created by playwright Rūta Dishler.
The genre of the show – the political erotic cabaret – imposes conditions, but leaves freedom for creativity and experimentation. “Genre is difficult, but the common key must be found,” comments M. Eihe. “The concert performance is united by puppets, various playing and performance techniques are used. Music is also united.” Half a century ago, the director of the Puppet Theater Tina Herzberg created a concert for adults Interlelli – 67, whose musical charm was made unforgettable by maestro Raymond Paul. Without morals. With dolls the musical performance is made by pianist Raimonds Petrauskis, arranging melodies by Raimonds Paul for puppet shows, Creed, Lingas, Tool, Musiqq and other musicians’ most popular songs. The atmosphere of the cabaret will be created by the live music ensemble created for the show, in which actors Dace Vītola and Anrijs Sirmais and percussionist Ernests Mediņš will also play.
How did politics enter the show? “Politics is one of the components of cabaret. It is like a jester at court. The show will have references to today’s events. Light irony about ourselves, our beliefs and political actions. Irony is a sign of a healthy society” , explains M. Hey. The show is about the crazy desire of people to please, to show off, to prove themselves, about that ring of life where the loudest and the best often wins, but the one who is more talented and less ostentatious loses and gets lost. It’s not easy to tell with dolls. Previous years’ shows were changed to a puppet cabaret format and the production’s scenography was created by an association of female artists Countess – Ildze Jurkovska, Marianna Lapiņa, Dace Ignatova and Justine Jasjukevicha. And the erotic touch? “It’s just as ironic as the political aspect,” says M. Eihe and reminds us that Latvians used to be considered a sexually liberated nation, but now the thinking is more stagnant. Therefore, the performance of the concert is intended for people over 16 years of age.
Premiere in the Great Hall of the Latvian Society in Riga – tonight, 9 December.
