Līga Zeļģe: Aktiera fantāzija un skatītājs | Intervija

Latvian Theatre Embraces Timeless Themes of Love and Relationships with New Production of Noel Coward’s “Private Lives”

On Thursday, April 30th, the Latvian National Theatre’s Great Hall will host the premiere of Noel Coward’s play “Private Lives,” directed by Ināra Slucka. The production features a cast of four actors: Līga Zeļģe, Evija Krūze, Ivars Kļavinskis, and Ainārs Ančevskis. The play explores the complexities of romantic relationships, a theme that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

Coward’s Enduring Legacy and the Play’s Historical Significance

Noel Coward’s impact on British culture is profound. He was recognized at the turn of the millennium as the most significant playwright after Shakespeare. “Private Lives,” first staged in London in 1930 with Coward himself playing the role of Eliot and Gertrude Lawrence as Amanda, is considered one of his most refined comedies, delving into the private world of married couples. Prior to this new production, “Private Lives” was staged in Latvia only once, in 2003, at the Liepāja Theatre under the direction of Valdis Lūris.

Līga Zeļģe on the Challenges and Rewards of Comedy

“It’s a great pleasure, and also a great challenge, to work on this production, as it will be a comedic melodrama,” says Līga Zeļģe, reflecting on her role in the play. “Comedies are often challenging, and it’s not the easiest genre, but it’s one that’s close to my heart. I’m very grateful that director Ināra Slucka chose our quartet. It’s a big responsibility and a difficult task, because on the stage of the Great Hall, there’s really nowhere to hide, and we can only tell this story with our acting and skill. Coward’s plays are very popular in England and America, and I’m glad that we will be able to really play around with it.”

Theatre as an Escape in Turbulent Times

Zeļģe emphasizes the play’s relevance in the current climate. “I suppose the play, although not written in modern times, is really material that is very necessary for this time. There is so much happening around us, people feel very tired of the stressful pressure in the air. We are worried about the war happening nearby, and the war happening further away, in the Strait of Hormuz. also about all the frightening news about inflation and rising prices… Audiences want at least a little bit of a breather and to laugh about very simple things in life and forget a little about the feeling that currently prevails in the world.”

She continues, “I don’t believe that comedy or melodrama with comedic elements is a cheap genre. Theatre has several tasks, and one of them is to make the audience’s life a little more joyful and cheerful. So, if we manage to make the audience disconnect from everyday worries and simply enjoy the performance, I will be very happy.”

The Dynamic Between Actors and Audience

Zeļģe notes the importance of the connection between performers and their audience. “When playing any performance, we feel the audience – whether they are open or closed, whether they are tired or immediately engaged. When playing comedies, it’s played through the audience, and we are happy if the audience gets involved in the performance, because their reactions are very important. When playing this genre, you immediately feel the feedback, the audience’s laughter, and the reaction lifts the actors and gives them strength to play on, to enjoy the process. In comedy, you immediately feel whether the audience is with you, whether you can ‘take’ them or not. That’s the big challenge that awaits us every evening of this performance.”

“The essence and magic of theatre lies in playing with the audience’s imagination. In the performance, we introduce them to our world of imagination, and if we succeed in doing so, the audience forgets all the possible troubles in their lives and can simply enjoy the theatre performance. That is very important, and I have heard from many viewers that it is acutely needed. Many come to the theatre specifically to forget, to be able to set aside their daily problems for a while and simply enjoy a story. And later, after the performance, they can talk about the experienced theatre story with their colleagues and friends, perhaps quote something, perhaps the seen has caused reflection… All this belongs to the magic of theatre.”

Finding Strength in Simplicity and Springtime

When asked about her sources of strength, Zeļģe shares, “My fundamental sources of strength are three – my family, my children, and my friends. Sometimes I think that I don’t really have the right to complain, as I live among so many wonderful people. I am very grateful that I have them. And the third thing – I adore spring, the moment when the first flowers appear and start to bloom. It’s almost time for that moment when the first leaves burst out. I was born in spring, and this is my time. I feel the strength bursting out of the ground, which was so frozen in the great cold of winter, and it seems to me that it bursts out in me too. Spring is like a promise that summer will come soon, when you can go swimming and enjoy nature. It really is my favorite time of year.”

Balancing Theatre and Film

Zeļģe enjoys both theatre and film work. “I really like filming and I really like playing theatre, I could say that work is also my hobby. If you like doing things from the heart, then fatigue seems different than if you do things you don’t like and don’t inspire you. It used to be harder for me to divide my time, but now I’ve become a little more selfish about my personal time and divide it a little more egoistically, so that it also remains for my family and rest. Such a division gives extra strength, and if you plan everything correctly, you can do more. Currently, I have a very small role in Juris Kursietis’ film “Tabita,” which is an emotional story based on personal experience about a girl with Down syndrome who is at significant crossroads in her life – finishing school, which has been her safe environment, and having to take a step into a wider world where a place for people with special needs is not always a given. I really wanted to be part of this film.”

The Importance of Positivity and Gratitude

“Although you can always look at things from different angles, I have chosen to do so through the positive. Not through something foolishly positive, convincing myself that many things are decent, even though I don’t really believe them inside, but I have learned to appreciate and be grateful for what I have – for contacts, events, and conversations. And not to take them for granted and not to think about everything I don’t have. If I started thinking like that, I could count the money in someone else’s wallet, maybe I don’t have as many achievements or as much appreciation, because someone will always be better. As my mother said in childhood, you shouldn’t count the money in someone else’s wallet. I have learned to appreciate what I have and to enjoy it, because we often forget and do not appreciate very simple things in life. Like being able to get up in the morning and not having anything hurt, having an apartment to live in, and being warm. That spring has arrived, and no bombs are falling on our heads, and I can continue my life, I can do my things. It all sounds very simple, but it’s worth not worrying about things or situations that haven’t happened yet. I solve problems when they arise, but I don’t think about them, I don’t waste my time on what hasn’t happened, or probably won’t happen in ninety percent of cases. Then it’s easier to live.”

Celebrating Latvia and its Cultural Heritage

As the interview concludes, Zeļģe reflects on the significance of celebrating spring and Latvian culture. “It’s very important. I love our country and it’s very important for me to live in Latvia. These are loud words, but Latvia is my father’s land and my roots are in this land. I have traveled a lot, I really like to travel and enjoy other cultures, but perhaps, in a way, with maturity I appreciate Latvia more and more. It is very close to me and it is a great happiness, in fact – even a miracle – that such a small country is able to exist. We have our own language, we have a great culture, a huge cultural heritage and also very many really talented artists. We must not belittle ourselves, because, compared to the very small number of inhabitants of Latvia, we have so many not only artists, but also athletes, scientists, musicians, inventors… Latvians are a very strong nation, of course, as in every nation, there are also some envious or selfish people, but it is within our power to tidy up our small piece of life and land, apartment; to do our best in our work. If we do that, our country has a very great potential. It’s wonderful here!”