Anda Albuže, or Andulis, as her colleagues call her, has been working in Liepāja theater for more than 50 years. This year, she was admitted to the Latvian Theater Golden Fund, which was established in 2007 following the initiative of Lolita Caukas, the chairwoman of the Latvian Theater Employees Union (LTDS), to honor artists who have made a special contribution to the performing arts industry. On November 21, the actress is celebrating a beautiful anniversary – and where better to do it than on the boards of her stage – together with the audience and colleagues, informs Zanda Borga, the literary advisor of the Liepāja Theater.
The celebration of the actress’s anniversary will take place from November 27 to 30, with the artist participating in four productions. The week of anniversary performances will be started with the performance laikrodDziesmu svetkipulksten (LaikorLielais dzintarspulksten on November 27 in the small hall of the Liepāja Theater in the concert hall), in which the actress gets into the character of Linda.
In this story, only nine of our fellow human beings meet, and yet – opinions about what and why happens at the Song and Dance Festival can lead to both laughter and tears, and hopefully nothing more tragic. And even though this show talks about the Song Festival – the question is ultimately about ourselves – how to keep our voice after singing a lot and how to agree not only in song, but also in conversation in these confused times. Do we really always need a special reason to have a real conversation?
The play based on the play by Rasa Bugavičutes-Pēce was created by the director Matīss Budovskis, who has already worked with Anda twice in two years, assigning her an important role – Ausma – also in his latest production laikroarRītausma Vakarospulksten, which will be shown as part of the anniversary week on the evening of November 30.
On the evening of November 28, the actress will take to the boards of the big stage, playing Gertrude in the play laikroonJasmīnspulksten created by Dmitry Petrenko, based on the play by Inga Ábele. Yasmīne, her husband Artis and grandmother Gertrude lead their daily lives in their country house, immersed in daily routine and debt. Until one day, Jasmīne’s mother Laura arrives, bringing Michael with her… this arrival will not only disrupt the daily flow, but also break Jasmīne’s soul.
On the other hand, the culmination of the festivities will take place on November 29, when in the evening there will be a production of the director Valters Sílis based on Rasa Bugavičutes-Pēce’s play laikroonTēvs klusumspulksten. It is this production that will be the actress’s anniversary performance, which she will celebrate together with her partners in the show and the choir LaikrosLaikspulksten, which also participates in this production. In the performance, Anda takes on the role of Regina, the manager of the cultural house, who faithfully follows the conductor played by actor Āirts Krūmiņas, helping him organize the anniversary concert.
At this time, the visitors of the performances will also be able to see an exhibition dedicated to the actress in the theater, in which, alongside her photographs, the dedication words of her directors can be read. Let’s meet at the end of November at the Liepāja Theater to celebrate the birthday of our wonderful actress and thank her for the many years of trust in her profession, the theater and the audience.
Celebrating Anda Albuže: A Theatrical Treasure
So, get ready, ladies and gentlemen! We’re about to dive into the world of Anda Albuže, affectionately dubbed Andulis by her colleagues, a theatrical titan who has graced the stages of the Liepāja Theater for over half a century! That’s right, 50 glorious years of acting, entertaining, and—let’s be honest—often making us question our life choices while we’re stuck in a dingy box office line!
This year, she’s been inducted into the Latvian Theater Golden Fund. I suppose that means she’s officially classified as “gold standard.” And, let’s be honest, if Anda isn’t gold, then I’m a ripe peach! The fund was set up in 2007 by the energetic Lolita Caukas, head of the Latvian Theater Employees Union, to honor artists who have really “sung for their supper” in the performing arts world.
The Gala Celebrations
Now, hold onto your hats, because the celebrations for this remarkable actress kick off from November 27 to 30. Yes, mark your calendars, set your reminders, tattoo it on your arm—whatever it takes to ensure you don’t miss out on this theatrical extravaganza!
The anniversary performance series starts with “laikrodDziesmu svetkipulksten” on November 27, where Anda transforms into Linda. Picture this: only nine characters on stage, a tad unreasonable, but hey, it’s the theater! They’ll talk about the Song Festival, but the real kicker is how we can keep our voices heard—after all the karaoke sessions—while figuring out how not to strangle each other over coffee breaks. Do we really need a reason to talk? I mean, other than the weather, that is!
Stellar Performances and Roles
Anda will be flexing her acting chops in multiple roles, including Gertrude in “laikroonJasmīnspulksten” on November 28. You’ve got a wholesome meltdown waiting to happen as her character deals with her daughter’s disrupted life thanks to the arrival of the in-laws—just what we all need, right?
But wait! There’s more! The big finale of this theatrical weekend will unfold on November 29 with “laikroonTēvs klusumspulksten”. Anda will embody Regina, who’s apparently the church mouse running around trying to make sense of a chaotic concert. Don’t worry, folks, it’s all part of the charm!
A Tribute to an Icon
As if that wasn’t enough, audiences can also revel in a dedicated exhibition showcasing Anda’s illustrious career—think of it as a peek behind the curtain of her glittering world. Photos, directors’ dedications, and maybe a few embarrassing bloopers, if we’re lucky!
So, there you have it, friends! Let’s come together at the Liepāja Theater to not just celebrate Anda’s birthday, but to applaud a lifetime of contributions to the art of performance. It’s a great occasion to reflect on how the theater continues to be one of the most vital places to “make sense of the nonsense” that is life. Because honestly, we could all use a laugh or two after the year we’ve had, right?
Anda Albuže, affectionately known as Andulis by her colleagues, boasts an impressive career spanning over 50 years at the Liepāja Theater. In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the performing arts, she has been inducted into the prestigious Latvian Theater Golden Fund this year. This honor was established in 2007 under the leadership of Lolita Caukas, the chairwoman of the Latvian Theater Employees Union (LTDS), to acknowledge artists who have significantly impacted the industry. On November 21, Anda will celebrate a monumental milestone in her career, and what better venue to commemorate this occasion than on stage itself, surrounded by her loyal audience and cherished colleagues, as noted by Zanda Borga, the literary advisor of the Liepāja Theater.
The planned festivities for Anda’s anniversary will unfold from November 27 to 30, featuring her participation in four distinctive theatrical productions. The celebratory week will kick off with the performance *laikrodDziesmu svetkipulksten* (LaikorLielais dzintarspulksten) on November 27 in the cozy small hall of the Liepāja Theater within the concert hall. In this compelling narrative, Anda embodies the character of Linda.
In this production, mere nine characters interact, yet their diverse perspectives on the events unfolding at the Song and Dance Festival evoke a mix of laughter and tears, with the hope that nothing more tragic unfolds. At its core, while the performance centers around the Song Festival, it poses profound questions about our own lives—how we can maintain our voices after much singing and learn to find agreement, not just in song but also amidst conversation during these complex times. Is a special occasion truly necessary for meaningful dialogue?
Director Matīss Budovskis, who has previously collaborated with Anda on two occasions, skillfully adapted the play by Rasa Bugavičutes-Pēce. His latest production *laikroarRītausma Vakarospulksten*, again features Anda in a pivotal role as Ausma, and will be showcased during the anniversary week on the evening of November 30.
Additionally, on the evening of November 28, Anda will grace the big stage with her portrayal of Gertrude in *laikroonJasmīnspulksten*, a piece crafted by Dmitry Petrenko, based on Inga Ábele’s play. The story revolves around Jasmīne, her husband Artis, and grandmother Gertrude, who navigate the mundane rhythm of life in their country home while grappling with financial struggles. However, the arrival of Jasmīne’s mother, Laura, along with Michael, dramatically alters this routine, plunging Jasmīne into emotional turmoil.
The grand finale of the anniversary celebrations is slated for November 29, featuring a production directed by Valters Sílis based on Rasa Bugavičutes-Pēce’s play *laikroonTēvs klusumspulksten*. This performance will serve as Anda’s official anniversary celebration, allowing her to share this special occasion with her fellow cast members and the choir *LaikrosLaikspulksten*, who also enrich this production. In this piece, Anda takes on the role of Regina, a dedicated cultural house manager who diligently assists the conductor, played by actor Āirts Krūmiņas, in organizing a memorable anniversary concert.
As spectators attend these performances, they will also be treated to an exhibition celebrating Anda’s remarkable career at the theater, featuring a collection of her photographs alongside heartfelt tributes from her directors. Let’s gather at the Liepāja Theater at the end of November to honor our talented actress and express our gratitude for her enduring commitment to her craft, the theater, and its audiences.
What role does Anda Albuže play in *laikroarRītausma Vakarospulksten* during the anniversary week?
Uction, *laikroarRītausma Vakarospulksten*, will also be showcased during the anniversary week on November 30, where Anda portrays Ausma, highlighting her versatility and talent.
On November 28, Anda will grace the big stage in *laikroonJasmīnspulksten*, directed by Dmitry Petrenko. This poignant story follows Jasmīne, Gertrude, and their family dynamics within the backdrop of everyday struggles, highlighting how unexpected arrivals can disrupt the semblance of routine and even fracture one’s emotional well-being.
The celebration reaches its zenith on November 29 with *laikroonTēvs klusumspulksten*, a production where Anda takes on the role of Regina, the cultural house manager. In this capacity, she navigates the chaos of organizing an anniversary concert, embodying the essence of dedication and passion for her craft.
Throughout these performances, theatergoers can also enjoy an exhibition dedicated to Anda’s illustrious career, featuring photographs and heartfelt tributes from the directors she has worked with over the years. This exhibition serves as a beautiful homage to her journey in the arts, providing insight into the impact she has made on both the theater community and her audiences.
So, mark your calendars for this remarkable celebration at the Liepāja Theater! Gather your friends and family to partake in the festivities, cheer for Anda, and witness the magic of theater as it brings joy and reflection during a well-deserved tribute to a true theatrical gem. Let’s come together to honor Anda Albuže—our enduring symbol of talent, perseverance, and the transformative power of performance!
