According to the Latvian Ministry of Culture, the independent producing organization Ģertrūdes ielas teātris (ĢIT) along with the association TARBA and representatives Maija Pavlova and Andrejs Jarovojs have been honored with Ministry of Culture Recognition Awards for long-term contributions to the development of contemporary performing arts in Latvia and the strengthening of international cooperation. Operating without a permanent troupe, the venue functions as an open platform for cross-generational and cross-disciplinary artists.
New Season Productions and Rehearsal Processes
The upcoming season brings a diverse lineup of new stage works, starting with open rehearsal sessions before the official premiere slate. According to ĢIT announcements, choreographer Jana Jacuka will host open rehearsals on Sept. 6 and 9 for her work-in-progress production titled AAA (working title), developed as part of the International New Theatre Festival Homo Novus. Jacuka utilizes the vocal practice of yodeling—a technique that resists stabilization—to treat the voice as a physical extension and breath as a primary communication tool with the audience.
Following the rehearsal showings, the venue will host its first official premiere on Sept. 23 with Sandija Dovgāne’s visual theater piece ieelpa: izelpa (Inhale: Exhale). According to production details, the work centers on breath as an event, sound, and movement, examining the fragile boundary between living entities and their imitation during an era dominated by productivity and constant motion. Later in October, Vladimir Gorshantov’s contemporary dance solo Boy Oy will premiere, exploring human responses to instability, loss, and chaos through personal and inherited family memories.
Did you know? Ģertrūdes ielas teātris operates entirely as a producing organization without a permanent ensemble, allowing independent artists from various disciplines to collaborate on short- and long-term projects.
International Tour Dates and Regional Outreach
Independent Latvian productions supported by the venue maintain an active international touring schedule this autumn. According to festival schedules, Jana Jacuka’s performance HA will appear at the Mladi Levi Festival in Ljubljana on Aug. 28 and 29, followed by dates at the Actoral festival in Marseille on Oct. 7 and 10. Additionally, Andrejs Jarovojs’s production Malkas ceļi (Wood Paths) is scheduled for the International Festival of Contemporary Puppet Art “Lutke” in Ljubljana on Sept. 25 and 26.
Domestically, ĢIT continues its mission to reach audiences outside Riga. Andrejs Jarovojs’s production Ragana (The Witch) will visit Tukums on Sept. 11 for its final performance, marking the formal retirement of the production from the active repertoire. Concurrently, the theater encourages schools to utilize the “Latvijas skolas soma” (Latvian School Bag) cultural education program to introduce students to contemporary performing arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the organizational model of Ģertrūdes ielas teātris?
According to organizational statements, ĢIT functions as a producing organization without a permanent acting troupe, creating an open environment for diverse artists across generations and disciplines.
What are the first premieres of the new season?
The season opens with Sandija Dovgāne’s visual theater piece ieelpa: izelpa on Sept. 23, followed by Vladimir Gorshantov’s contemporary dance solo Boy Oy in late October.
Where can international audiences see ĢIT productions this season?
Productions are scheduled to tour internationally, including stops in Ljubljana (Slovenia), Marseille (France), and Kutná Hora (Czech Republic).
How can school groups access performances?
Schools and educators can book group visits through the “Latvijas skolas soma” cultural education initiative by selecting productions from the venue’s educational repertoire.
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