Love, Language, and the Stage: A Latvian-Polish Family’s Story
Malgožata Apse, a Polish actress now making waves in the Latvian theatre scene, found her path to Riga through love. She married Rudolfs Apse, an actor and director at the Latvian Puppet Theatre, after meeting during an Erasmus exchange program while both studied theatre – she at the Warsaw Theatre Academy’s Białystok branch, and he at the Latvian Culture Academy.
Navigating a New Language and Culture
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. Apse admits that learning Latvian has been a significant undertaking. She shares that she keeps notes for her roles in three languages: Latvian, English, and Polish. She found certain Latvian words particularly demanding to pronounce, specifically mentioning tizls rokraksts (fine handwriting) and kramplauzis (convulsive fit).
Despite the difficulties, Apse has embraced the language, finding beauty in its sounds. She highlights “smuks” (beautiful), “laime” (happiness), and “mīlestība” (love) as particularly pleasing words. Her six-year-old son is already bilingual, speaking both Latvian and Polish, demonstrating the value of multilingualism.
A Family Affair at the Latvian Puppet Theatre
Both Malgožata and Rudolfs Apse are integral parts of the Latvian Puppet Theatre. Rudolfs, described as a “product” of both Latvian and Polish theatre traditions, has been with the theatre since 2019 and received the “Actor of the Year in a Supporting Role” award at the Latvian Theatre Awards in 2023. He’s known for roles in productions like “Riekstkodis un Žurku ķēniņš” (Nutcracker and the Mouse King) and “Sniegbaltīte un septiņi rūķīši” (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs).
Expanding Roles: From Stage to Screen
Malgožata Apse’s career is extending beyond the stage. She has appeared in Latvian television series Nemīlētie (The Unloved) and Apsūdzēti mīlestībā (Accused of Love), and now stars in the new series Mīļākās (Sweethearts). She playfully reveals a “spicy scene” with fellow actor Maksims Busels, who plays her husband in the show, emphasizing that her real-life husband is understanding, recognizing the demands of their profession.
The Growing Trend of International Theatre Collaborations
The Apse family’s story reflects a broader trend of increasing international collaboration within the performing arts. Exchange programs like Erasmus, which brought Rudolfs Apse to Poland, are fostering cross-cultural understanding and artistic exchange. This leads to more diverse casts, innovative productions, and a richer cultural landscape.
The Benefits of Multilingualism for Actors
Being multilingual is becoming increasingly valuable for actors. It opens doors to roles in international productions, allows for deeper connection with diverse audiences, and enhances an actor’s ability to interpret and embody characters from different backgrounds. Malgožata Apse’s experience demonstrates the practical benefits of this skill, even in her day-to-day work at the theatre.
FAQ
Q: Where did Malgožata and Rudolfs Apse meet?
A: They met at the Warsaw Theatre Academy’s Białystok branch during Rudolfs’ Erasmus exchange program.
Q: What languages does Malgožata Apse use at work?
A: She uses Latvian, English, and Polish for her notes and rehearsals.
Q: What Latvian words did Malgožata Apse uncover difficult to pronounce?
A: She struggled with tizls rokraksts and kramplauzis.
Q: What series has Malgožata Apse recently appeared in?
A: She has appeared in Nemīlētie, Apsūdzēti mīlestībā, and Mīļākās.
Did you know? The Latvian Puppet Theatre has a long and distinguished history, dating back to 1938.
Pro Tip: Learning even a few basic phrases in the local language can significantly enhance your experience when traveling or working abroad.
Explore more articles about Latvian culture and the performing arts here. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Keep reading