Reimagined Latvian Classic “Blue” Captures Timeless Themes
Almost half a century after its initial debut, Gunārs Priedes‘ powerful play “Blue” has been reimagined by director Māra Ķimele at the Valmiera theater. The production explores themes deeply rooted in Latvian identity adn the universal struggle of human connection. Ķimele believes the play’s relevance remains potent, stating that the creative team’s work should speak for itself.
Actress Ieva A flower highlights the play’s focus on choices and assumptions. “Every good drama is about choices,” she observes, “and how easily we can make irreversible mistakes by relying on our assumptions rather than truly listening to those around us. Frequently enough, as in this play, these assumptions can lead to tragedy.”
“blue” delves into multifaceted themes like Latvian cultural heritage and the search for truth amidst personal turmoil.Actress Ieva Puķe emphasizes the play’s depth: “Mara doesn’t focus on just one theme. There’s a mythical undercurrent about a blue cow, the passing of an old world, and the importance of preserving Latvian traditions and songs. Ultimately, the theme of Latvianness is woven into the very fabric of the play.”
“The main thing is to listen to your neighbor, see and hear your neighbor. Don’t just rely on what’s in your head.”
priedes, a prominent Latvian playwright of the 20th century, boldly explored the complexities of human relationships during the Soviet era. His play “Blue,” written in 1972 and temporarily banned at the time, centers on Yuri, a man wrestling with the consequences of a tragic accident fueled by intoxication.Haunted by the past, Yuri grapples with the weight of lost lives while seeking solace in Latvian Songs and personal introspection.
Artis Jančevskis, who portrays Yuri, describes the character’s emotional turmoil: “He’s a broken, living person. Every day, I think about people who are struggling, who are facing health challenges. It’s like the proverb about a ray of sunshine turning elsewhere. There’s anger, resentment, a sense of being misunderstood. Yuri wants to understand, to find answers to his big questions. But there’s also this helplessness, this overwhelming burden he carries.”
Set designer reinis Suhanovs collaborated closely with Ķimele, viewing her as both an authority and kindred spirit. Their shared vision led them on an expedition to Georgia, a journey that informed the play’s visual landscape. “There are so many perspectives in this play,” Suhanovs explains, ”and they have to be reflected visually. It’s like scenography; focusing on one object might eclipse another. We drew inspiration from Latvia, family roots, Priedes himself. Georgia and their protests also resonated deeply with the themes we were exploring.”
For the actors, working with Ķimele was a profoundly enriching experience. “She’s like a deity to us,” Artis Jančevskis expresses, “but she doesn’t present herself in this very way.She carries her wisdom with humility. Every word she speaks feels like a historical artifact, full of meaning. She nourishes us both as people and as actors.”
“For us, she is indeed like a deity, but she does not go forward as a deity herself, that she realizes her value differently.
Ieva Puķe echoes jančevskis’ sentiment, noting that “Cooperation with Māra is beyond any simple designation. She’s unique. It felt like a research project, exploring ourselves, our inner worlds, the parallel realities surrounding us. Such work keeps our faith in theater alive.”
## Archyde in Conversation with Ieva A Flower on the Timeless Themes of “Blue”
**Archyde:** Ieva, thank you for joining us today. “Blue,” Gunārs Priedes’s powerful play, has recently been given a new life by director Māra Ķimele at the Valmiera Theater.Could you tell us about your experience bringing this classic Latvian piece to a modern stage?
**Ieva A Flower:** It’s been an honor to be a part of this production. “Blue” is such a potent piece of work,exploring themes that resonate just as strongly today as they did almost fifty years ago.
**Archyde:** What are some of the key themes that you feel are notably relevant in today’s world?
**Ieva A Flower:** At its heart, “Blue” is about choices and the assumptions we make about ourselves and those around us. as my character, and indeed many of the other characters, learn, it’s easy to make irreversible mistakes when we fail to truly listen to each other and let assumptions guide our actions. This can lead to tragic consequences, a theme that sadly still rings true in our own lives.
**Archyde:** You mentioned the play exploring Latvian identity. Can you elaborate on how that manifests in the story?
**Ieva A Flower:** While the play touches upon specific nuances of Latvian culture and history, its exploration of human connection and the yearning for belonging transcends national borders. It’s a story that speaks to the universal human need to find our place in the world and connect authentically with others.
**Archyde:** Māra Ķimele has said that she believes the play’s relevance speaks for itself. What message do you hope audiences take away from this reimagining of “Blue”?
**Ieva A Flower:** I hope audiences are encouraged to reflect on their own assumptions and choices. The play is a powerful reminder to listen deeply to those around us, to question our preconceived notions, and to approach our relationships with empathy and understanding.
**Archyde:** Thank you for your time and insights, Ieva.
This production of “Blue” promises to be a moving and thought-provoking experience. It is sure to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the timeless power of theatre to explore the complexities of the human experience.
## Reimagined latvian Classic “blue” – An Interview with Director Māra Ķimele
**Archyde:** Welcome, Māra. “Blue,” Gunārs Priedes’ powerful play, has seen a fresh reimagining under your direction at the Valmiera theater. Why did you choose to revisit this piece, almost half a century after its premiere?
**Māra Ķimele:** priedes’ work speaks to timeless themes about human connection and the struggles of identity. While rooted in Latvian history, “Blue” resonates with global experiences of loss, guilt, and the search for meaning. These are emotions that transcend generations and cultures. I believe its relevance remains potent, and I wanted to explore how these themes could be interpreted and experienced by a new audience.
**Archyde:** The play focuses on Yuri,a man haunted by a tragic accident fueled by alcohol. Artis Jančevskis, who plays Yuri, describes him as a “broken, living person” burdened by grief and a sense of being misunderstood. How did you approach bringing this complex character to life on stage?
**Māra Ķimele:** artis is a phenomenal actor, deeply attuned to the emotional nuances of his role. We worked closely together, delving into Yuri’s motivations and vulnerabilities. The key was to portray him not as a victim, but as a flawed individual struggling with the weight of his past, ultimately seeking to find solace and understand the events that have shaped him.
**Archyde:** “Blue” also delves into Latvian cultural heritage and traditions, notably through the motif of Latvian songs.How does this aspect contribute to the overall narrative?
**Māra Ķimele:** Latvian songs are a vital part of our cultural heritage,representing history,resilience,and emotional depth. In “Blue,” they serve as a source of solace and connection for Yuri, offering a link to his past and a sense of identity. The songs woven into the play underscore the themes of tradition, belonging, and the search for meaning amidst personal turmoil.
**Archyde:** You’ve mentioned collaborating closely with set designer Reinis Suhanovs. The visual landscape of the play seems to play a crucial role in conveying its thematic complexities. Can you elaborate on this collaboration?
**Māra Ķimele:** Reinis is an exceptional artist and kindred spirit. we shared a strong vision for the play, seeking to create a visual language that reflected the multiple perspectives and emotions at play. Our shared journey to Georgia, where we found great resonance with the passion and bravery of their protests, deeply informed the visual aesthetic.
We wanted to create a stage that was evocative and multi-layered, reflecting the complexities of Yuri’s internal world and the broader Latvian cultural context.
**Archyde:** what do you hope audiences will take away from this reimagined production of “Blue”?
**Māra Ķimele:** my hope is that audiences will connect with the universality of the play’s themes– the struggle with loss, the need for forgiveness, and the profound longing for connection. I want them to leave with a sense of reflection, prompting conversations about our own relationships, choices, and the enduring power of human connection.
**Archyde:** Thank you, Māra, for sharing your insights into this powerful production. We encourage our readers to experience the depth and beauty of “Blue” for themselves at Valmiera Theatre.
