Aktieris Jānis Kronis explores contemporary Latgalian identity in a new stage production titled Apjukušais bārns, developed after a family conversation revealed the unexpected complexities of cultural heritage. According to actor Jānis Kronis, the project originated when his oldest daughter asked him to define what it means to be Latgalian, sparking a personal dilemma for someone who grew up speaking Latgalian in Gaigalava and uses the language with his own children.
The Research Expedition Across Latgale
To uncover answers, the creative team undertook a two-week research expedition across Latgale, interviewing local residents, documenting stories, and examining how people define regional identity today. According to izrādes dramaturgs Jānis Golubovs, the team quickly realized that a single definition does not exist, as every person interviewed offered a slightly different, sometimes contradictory understanding of what Latgalian culture represents. Rather than providing a neat conclusion, the field research returned the team with deeper questions about place, language, and belonging.
Merging Field Research With Personal Narrative
The resulting production blends documentary field notes, collected personal stories, and the actor’s own experiences with relocation and cultural preservation. According to the creators, the performance examines language, family structures, traditions, and the conscious choice to claim a Latgalian identity outside of Latgale. The creative team features Jānis Kronis, Jānis Golubovs, Klāvs Mellis, Elīna Pērkone, Valters Karlsons, and Aleksandrs Lisovs, with production led by Ance Strazda and technical production by Reinis Boters. Edīte Laime handled translations, with financial support provided by Valsts kultūrkapitāla fonds, VSIA Rīgas Cirks, Irve, and Mellis grupa, alongside acknowledgments to Agris Bitāns, DJ Guntix (Gunārs Indričāns), and Eduards Haļas.
Upcoming Premieres and Repertoire Offerings
Alongside the new Latgalian-language production, Kvadrifrons will debut three additional premieres before the Christmas season. Director Paula Pļavniece is staging an iestudējums par zobu veselību 1.– 4. klašu skolēniem, which will be integrated into the Latvijas skolas soma program. Additionally, Klāvs Mellis un viņa ģimene are developing a starpdisciplināru performanci par nogrimušām pilīm, while Rūdolfs Gediņš is staging a work examining celebration, time, and solitude titled Pirmais latvietis uz mēness. Repertory performances from previous seasons will also run concurrently, with further information available through the official Kvadrifrons website.
Did you know? The Kvadrifrons company features multiple new productions this season exploring diverse themes, ranging from regional identity to dental health and solo performances about time and solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the premise of Apjukušais bārns?
The play explores contemporary Latgalian identity through a documented two-week research expedition across Latgale, examining how language, family, and personal choice shape cultural belonging outside the region.
Who are the key members of the creative team?
The production involves Jānis Kronis, Jānis Golubovs, Klāvs Mellis, Elīna Pērkone, Valters Karlsons, Aleksandrs Lisovs, producer Ance Strazda, technical producer Reinis Boters, and translator Edīte Laime.
Where can audiences find tickets and information for upcoming shows?
Information on current repertoires, educational programs, and new performance dates is available directly through the official Kvadrifrons website at kvadrifrons.lv.
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