Latvian Puppet Theatre Premieres Sarkanmatīte
The Latvian Puppet Theatre has launched Sarkanmatīte, a musical and visual performance centered on a once-beloved toy that eventually ends up in an attic.
Director Ģirts Šolis, known for his work on Emīls un Berlīnes zēni and Divas Lotiņas, stated that he prioritizes staging works by Latvian authors to support the preservation of the national language and culture. The production utilizes object theater and “body puppets,” where the actor’s body and the puppet merge into a single character. Šolis noted that the performance aims to encourage audiences to consider whether it is always necessary to purchase new toys or if repairing an existing item—which carries its own “soul” and history—is more meaningful.
Performance Schedule and Venue Details
The production is hosted in the Small Hall of the Latvian Puppet Theatre, located at Krišjāņa Barona iela 16/18 in Riga. Shows are scheduled throughout December, with multiple performances on select dates:
- December 17: 11:00
- December 20: 11:00 and 14:00
- December 27: 11:00 and 14:00
- December 30: 18:30
Puppetry bridges imagination to storytelling
The creative team includes director and playwright Ģirts Šolis, artist Ivonna Kalita, music composer Sniedze Prauliņa, and lighting designer Arta Kronberga. The cast features actors Lienīte Podskočija, Matīss Millers, and Santa Didžus.
Šolis explained that the use of puppetry serves as a bridge for understanding the world, mirroring how children naturally grant life to inanimate objects through play. He remarked that, in his view, the theater simply formalizes this imaginative process that occurs during childhood play.
Did you know?
The production uses “body puppets,” a technique where the performer’s physical movements are integrated with the puppet’s structure to create a single, unified character on stage.
Memories hidden in everyday objects
What is the central theme of Sarkanmatīte?
The play focuses on the memories stored in toys and household items. It challenges the culture of constant consumption by highlighting the value of repairing and cherishing old objects that have personal histories.
Who is the director of the production?
The play is directed by Ģirts Šolis, who is also the production’s playwright. He is recognized for his previous work on classic adaptations such as Emīls un Berlīnes zēni.
Where can attendees purchase tickets?
Tickets and additional information regarding the performance are available through the official website of the Latvian Puppet Theatre.
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