The Enduring Power of Personal Correspondence: A Latvian Performance Explores Love and Loss in the Soviet Era
In an age of instant communication, the intimacy of handwritten letters feels increasingly distant. Yet, a new performance piece, “Vēstules purpurā tītas” (Letters Tied in Purple), by Sandija Santa, is bringing the power and emotional weight of personal correspondence back into focus. Staged at the Pegaza pagalms cultural venue in Liepāja, Latvia on February 27, 2026, the performance delves into the love story of Santa’s parents during their separation due to Soviet army service from 1987 to 1990.
A Window into a Bygone Era
The performance isn’t simply a retelling of a personal story; it’s a portal into a specific historical context. During the late 1980s, communication across distances was a laborious process. As Santa explains, the couple relied solely on letters, a stark contrast to today’s instant messaging and video calls. “There was no telephone, you had to queue for a television and hope someone would help you,” she stated. This reliance on letters imbued them with a significance that’s hard to replicate in modern communication.
The letters themselves reveal the challenges faced by young parents separated by military duty. The couple, both 18 years old, navigated the complexities of raising a child while enduring a two-year separation. The emotional toll is palpable even in the fragments shared, such as Dzintra’s heartfelt message from January 14, 1989: “We love you very, very, very much and miss you just as much! (I sometimes cry when I read, but it’s all part of it.) We were waiting for a letter from you and finally received two at once. I was starting to worry – no letters, no calls. I thought the concierge would call us to the phone. Sandija and I are so bored without you…”
From Personal Archive to Public Performance
Santa discovered the letters after her mother’s passing, initially intending only to reread them. Though, the process evolved organically into a performance piece. She describes it as a “ritual” – a way to process her grief and complete her mother’s story. The performance is described as an open editing process, where Santa explores the text through voice, movement and emotional resonance.
The letters aren’t just historical documents; they are the foundation for a potential novel. Santa notes that the process of preparing the performance feels like a necessary step towards completing the book, a way to refine the narrative and capture the essence of her parents’ experience. Her father’s letters, in particular, struck her with their depth and philosophical insight.
The Power of Voice and Sensory Experience
Santa, a dramaturge, director, and voice artist, integrates performative vocal elements into the performance. The letters will be “sung, whispered, spoken, perhaps even silenced,” creating a multi-sensory experience for the audience. This approach aims to move beyond a simple reading and invite viewers to connect with the emotional core of the story.
A letter from Normunds, dated February 2, 1989, exemplifies the poetic quality of the correspondence: “Hello, my dear mice! Today the color palette above the sea is tied in purple mist. I don’t see the sea, but the sky is very expressive. Maybe it just seems that way after this grayness, but my heart is rebellious and wants to love, to love you very much. Time goes by quickly. I guess that’s why there’s a lot of work, and I have to apologize to you for sending letters less often, it just doesn’t happen, but I never wanted to send you superficial ones.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is “Vēstules purpurā tītas”? It’s a performance piece by Sandija Santa based on letters exchanged between her parents during their separation due to Soviet army service.
- Where and when will the performance take place? It will be held at Pegaza pagalms in Liepāja, Latvia on February 27, 2026.
- What is the performance about? It explores themes of love, loss, separation, and the challenges of life under the Soviet regime, as revealed through personal letters.
- Is this performance connected to a larger project? Yes, the performance is part of the process of creating a book based on the letters.
Pro Tip: Consider the power of analog communication in your own life. Taking the time to write a thoughtful letter can create a deeper connection than a quick text or email.
Interested in exploring more Latvian cultural events? Visit liepajniekiem.lv for a comprehensive listing of performances and activities.
