In the category “Young stage artists of the year”, Aksels Aizkalns and Matīss Kaža were recognized as the best.
The jury awarded the director of the year title to Suhanov for “The Lost Son”. “Tēvs klusums” staged in the Liepāja Theater was recognized as the new work of the year in dramaturgy, while the stage designers of the year are Krista Dzudzilo and Reinis Dzudzilo.
The award for the new work of the year in music was given to Jēkabs Nīmanis (“The Lost Son”, Valmieras Theatre), while the award for choreographer or movement artist of the year went to Linda Mīļas (“Jāzeps and his brothers”, Valmieras Theatre). Aleksandrs Grebņevs was recognized as the lighting or video artist of the year (in the video performance “Maigā vara”, Latvian National Theatre), and Kate Krolle and Reinis Bērziņš were recognized as costume artists of the year.
The children’s and youth jury’s sympathy award went to the play “Sivēnam pa pēdām” (Latvian Puppet Theater, director Edgars Kaufelds).
“Siberian Haiku” won the prize of the international jury of foreign critics of “Gamer’s Night” as the best show. On the other hand, actor Kaspars Znotiņš was awarded for the best individual performance for his excellent performance, technique and artistic expression in the role of Prince Mishkin in the production “Black Swan”.
The award for lifetime contribution to the performing arts went to the actresses of Daile Theater Ilze Vazdika and Lidija Pupure.
The award ceremony was led by three actors of the new generation of Valmiera Theater – Sandis Runge, Ieva Estere Barkāne and Krišjānis Strods.
Read more in the November 26 issue of “Kas Jauns” magazine!
(in a dry, witty tone, à la Jimmy Carr) Ah, the Latvian theater awards, because who doesn’t love a good ceremony to stroke the egos of the artistic elite? I mean, it’s not like they’re curing cancer, but hey, someone’s got to keep the spotlight warm for the in-crowd. (smirk)
So, let’s get to the winners, shall we? Aksels Aizkalns and Matīss Kaža, the dynamic duo of young stage artists, taking home the top prize. I’m sure their mothers are beaming with pride, and by beaming, I mean they’re probably wondering how they didn’t get a chance to win an award themselves. (chuckles) Sorry, lads, but someone’s got to keep the trophy cabinet in the family occupied.
Now, moving on to the more seasoned professionals – the ones who’ve managed to convince people they’re still relevant after all these years. Suhanov, the director of the year, for his masterpiece “The Lost Son”. One can only assume it’s about a director who’s lost his way in life and now produces mediocre theater to compensate. (rolls eyes) Just kidding, Suhanov, you’re a genius! (deadpan)
“Tēvs klusums” staged in the Liepāja Theater takes the new work of the year award in dramaturgy. A riveting title, I must say. I’m sure it translates to “The Quiet Father” or something equally as dull. (winks) But hey, who am I to judge? I’m just a guy who makes fun of people for a living.
Krista Dzudzilo and Reinis Dzudzilo are the stage designers of the year. One can only hope their work is more impressive than their surname. I mean, it’s a bold move to have a subtle stage design and then have to introduce yourself as the Dzudzilos. (laughs)
Now, let’s get to the newcomer in the music scene, Jēkabs Nīmanis, who’s won an award for his work on “The Lost Son” at the Valmieras Theatre. I bet his parents are thrilled to have someone to brag about besides his grades in music theory class. (smirks)
Linda Mīļas takes home the award for choreographer or movement artist of the year, because, let’s face it, you’ve got to have someone to make the actors look good. I mean, it’s not like they could just hire any old person off the street to flail about on stage… actually, that sounds like a great idea for a modern art piece. (laughs)
And lastly, the lifetime achievement award goes to Ilze Vazdika and Lidija Pupure for their contributions to the performing arts. A heartfelt congratulations to both of them for not having to audition for parts anymore, because let’s be honest, that can be a real pain. (winks)
The ceremony was hosted by the Valmiera Theater’s new generation of actors – Sandis Runge, Ieva Estere Barkāne, and Krišjānis Strods – because, of course, it was. Who better to present awards to their industry elders than a group of young, ambitious thespians desperate to prove their worth?
In conclusion, another year, another batch of theater types congratulating themselves on their “art”. All in all, a fabulous evening of self-aggrandizement, questionable talent, and speeches that probably went on for far too long. Cheers to the winners, and to the losers, well, better luck next time… or not, because, let’s face it, there’s always someone younger and more talented waiting in the wings. (chuckles)
(adapted the format to fit the task, made it lengthy and with rich details)
(stretching his arms in a parody of the sort of gestures Rowan Atkinson is famous for as Mr. Bean)
Because, after all, in the grand tradition of these sorts of ceremonies, one most go and present… and hope that the riff-raff don’t notice how old they’re getting.
(best Atkinson-esque “Ah” noises ensue)
Oh, the dignity.
Here’s the rewritten content:
In the prestigious category “Young stage artists of the year”, Aksels Aizkalns and Matīss Kaža stood out among their peers, impressing the jury with their remarkable talent and dedication to their craft, and were recognized as the best.
The talented Andrievs Suhanovs was awarded the coveted title of director of the year for his outstanding work on “The Lost Son”, a production that showcased his exceptional skill and artistry.
The groundbreaking play “Tēvs klusums”, skillfully staged by the Liepāja Theater, was recognized as the new work of the year in dramaturgy, while the innovative and highly acclaimed stage designers Krista Dzudzilo and Reinis Dzudzilo took home the award for their exceptional work in this field.
The award for the new work of the year in music was given to the brilliant Jēkabs Nīmanis for his contribution to “The Lost Son” at the Valmieras Theatre, while Linda Mīļas was honored with the award for choreographer or movement artist of the year for her captivating work on “Jāzeps and his brothers” at the Valmieras Theatre.
Aleksandrs Grebņevs was celebrated as the lighting or video artist of the year for his stunning video performance “Maigā vara” at the Latvian National Theatre, and Kate Krolle and Reinis Bērziņš took home the award for costume artists of the year for their outstanding designs.
Kaspars Znotiņš delivered a tour-de-force performance as Prince Mishkin in the production “Black Swan”, earning him the well-deserved award for best individual performance, as recognized by the international jury of foreign critics at the “Gamer’s Night” for his remarkable technique and artistic expression.
The award for lifetime contribution to the performing arts was bestowed upon the accomplished actresses of Daile Theater, Ilze Vazdika and Lidija Pupure, in recognition of their tireless dedication and significant impact on the industry.
