After the national holiday, on November 22, the premiere of Tom Stoppard’s play “Arkadija” directed by Alvjas Hermanis is planned on the stage of the New Riga Theater (JRT) in the Great Hall, JRT representative Inga Liepiņa informed.
The intellectual detective of the English playwright Stoppard was a classic of the JRT repertoire in its time. The play combines everything current in both exact and humanities – from the history of literature to mathematics and biology. The playwright wrote the play “Arkadia” in 1993.
The play “Arkadija” was performed for the first time on the JRT stage in 1998. Director Hermanis reveals that at that time the current actresses of Tomasina’s role, Sabīne Tīkmane or Evelīna Priede, were not yet born, but Guna Zariņa, who played Tomasina in the first production, will now play her mother. “Many new people have been born and grown up during this time, to whom we also want to tell this story,” stresses Hermanis.
“Arkadija” became the first show in the history of JRT, for which it was no longer possible to buy tickets, and everyone in the city was talking about the fact that a theater show had finally been staged for those who do not go to the theater in principle. The author Stoppard came to Riga to watch his play and to participate in the actors’ party after the performance. “I told him at the time that this is perhaps the best play I’ve ever read, and I still think the same today. After 26 years, “Arkadija” will return to the JRT stage. But it will be a completely different show,” promises the director.
Actress Zariņa admits that “Arkadija” is a story about the passion of knowledge, which intersects with human physical passion. “And that is what keeps us alive. Faith that we can find out something. And this question – how much can we find out,” asks Zariņa rhetorically.
Actor Vilis Daudzis will play Professor Bernard Nightingale in the new production. “I saw for the first time how poetic science is. It’s amazing. We live in a time when the ideas of Ovid or Byron are being scientifically proven. The way they have spoken poetically about themselves in the world. Or the world within themselves. Knowing nothing of the laws of thermodynamics, about the speed of light, about black holes, they have described it,” Daudzins admits.
The scenographer of the show is Mārtiņš Vilkārsis, the costume designer is Kristīne Jurjāne, the video artist is Ineta Sipunova, the lighting designer is Lauris Johansons.
Zariņa, Daudziņš, Ivars Krasts, Kristīne Krūze, Yevgēnijs Isajevs, Tīkmane vai Priede, Toms Harjo, Jānis Skutelis, Agate Krista, Ritvars Logins, Dāvids Pētersons and Jāzeps Hermanis will play the roles.
Tickets for all performances until the end of this year are sold out. A limited number of tickets are still available for the encore performance on 24 January 2025 and for the performances on 20, 21, 22 and 23 March.
Prepare for a Night of Intellectual Delectation! “Arkadija” Hits New Riga Theater
Mark your calendars because on November 22, it’s time to sharpen your wits and grab your monocles! Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece, “Arkadija”, directed by the talented Alvjas Hermanis, makes its grand return to the New Riga Theater (JRT) in the Great Hall. Yes, folks, the theater is back and this is no ordinary drama! It’s like being handed a Rubik’s cube of literature and mathematics…and much like the aforementioned cube, it might leave you slightly confused but ultimately satisfied once you crack the code.
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: “Arkadija,” which first graced the JRT stage back in 1998, combines literary history with biology and a dash of mathematics. I mean, if Shakespeare were alive today, he’d be sending a “thumbs up” emoji from the afterlife! The play is a complex tapestry woven with everything from philosophical inquiries to the most exhilarating aspects of scientific discovery. It premiered two years after the invention of the first smartphone but thankfully, it seems they left the texting at home!
Because here’s a juicy tidbit: when “Arkadija” first opened, the current actresses for the role of Tomasina—Sabīne Tīkmane or Evelīna Priede—were still waiting for their arrival onto this delightful planet. Meanwhile, Guna Zariņa, who played Tomasina back then, is now gearing up to portray her mother. It’s like a cinematic version of “Back to the Future” except instead of a DeLorean, we have a play that’s seen more time travel than your average sci-fi blockbuster!
This is no run-of-the-mill performance—oh no! “Arkadija” marked itself in history as the first show where tickets sold out faster than a plane to Ibiza on a Friday afternoon. It’s a soirée for those who generally eschew the theater, perhaps because they’re too busy binge-watching the latest series on Netflix. But guess what? This time around, Stoppard himself waltzed into town to witness his genius unfold on stage, giving a nod of approval like a cultural stamp of good housekeeping!
The brilliant Guna Zariņa reflects on the themes of “Arkadija”: it’s a passionate ode to knowledge blending with the human experience. She eloquently suggests that this pursuit of knowledge keeps us alive—much like that third cup of coffee after a long night of work. Let me tell you, if you haven’t asked yourself, “How much can we really know?” while downing an espresso, have you even lived?
Actor Vilis Daudzis, who’ll be showcasing his talents as Professor Bernard Nightingale, reflects on the poetic beauty of science. I mean, who knew thermodynamics was more poetic than a Shakespearean sonnet? It turns out that Ovid and Byron might show up to the next physics conference with their heads held high as the theories from their writings are now scientifically validated. Imagine Byron in a lab coat—now that’s a sight to see!
The creative team behind this grand production is nothing short of extraordinary. With Mārtiņš Vilkārsis handling the scenography, Kristīne Jurjāne on costumes, Ineta Sipunova with video art, and Lauris Johansons working the lighting magic, you’d want to grab your 3D glasses just in case! And who can forget the impressive cast including the likes of Ivars Krasts, Kristīne Krūze, Yevgēnijs Isajevs, and more? It’s a star-studded lineup that’ll turn your Thursday night into an intellectual feast.
Now, if you’re desperate to get a ticket, brace yourselves—since all performances until the end of the year are already snatched up! But fear not, as there’s a limited supply for the encore on January 24, 2025, and a few dates in March. Better set your alarm clock, folks, because this is one show you won’t want to miss!
So dust off your best theater attire and get ready to dive into the cerebral delights of “Arkadija.” Because if you’re going to spend an evening lost in thought, it might as well be in the company of genius!
Following the national holiday, the highly anticipated premiere of Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed play “Arkadija,” directed by the talented Alvjas Hermanis, is set to unfold on November 22 at the New Riga Theater’s Great Hall, as confirmed by JRT representative Inga Liepiņa.
The intellectual detective narrative crafted by English playwright Stoppard has previously earned its place as a classic staple within the JRT repertoire. This thought-provoking play intricately weaves together themes spanning the disciplines of literature, mathematics, and biology, effectively bridging the gap between the sciences and the humanities. Stoppard originally penned “Arkadija” in 1993, capturing a vibrant interplay of knowledge and human experience.
The first performance of “Arkadija” graced the JRT stage in 1998, marking a significant moment for the theater. Director Hermanis notes that at that time, the current actresses Sabīne Tīkmane and Evelīna Priede hadn’t even been born, and he highlights the unique connection to the original cast, as Guna Zariņa, who played the role of Tomasina in the inaugural production, will now portray Tomasina’s mother. “Many new people have been born and grown up during this time, to whom we also want to tell this story,” stresses Hermanis, reflecting on the continuity and evolution of the narrative through generations.
“Arkadija” notably became the first production in JRT’s illustrious history for which tickets were sold out, generating buzz throughout the city and enticing even those who typically shy away from theater. The playwright, Stoppard himself, traveled to Riga to witness a performance and celebrated with the actors afterward. “I told him at the time that this is perhaps the best play I’ve ever read, and I still think the same today. After 26 years, “Arkadija” will return to the JRT stage. But it will be a completely different show,” promises the director, underscoring the transformative nature of the upcoming revival.
Actress Guna Zariņa poignantly describes “Arkadija” as a compelling exploration of the passion for knowledge that entangles with intense human emotions. “And that is what keeps us alive. Faith that we can find out something. And this question – how much can we find out,” Zariņa muses rhetorically, emphasizing the insatiable human quest for understanding.
In the new production, actor Vilis Daudzis is set to portray Professor Bernard Nightingale, expressing awe at the poetic nature of science revealed through this play. “I saw for the first time how poetic science is. It’s amazing. We live in a time when the ideas of Ovid or Byron are being scientifically proven,” Daudzis observes, marveling at the timelessness of poetic expression in relation to scientific exploration.
The creative team for this production includes scenographer Mārtiņš Vilkārsis, costume designer Kristīne Jurjāne, video artist Ineta Sipunova, and lighting designer Lauris Johansons, ensuring a visually stunning theatrical experience.
The cast features an impressive lineup including Zariņa, Daudziņš, Ivars Krasts, Kristīne Krūze, Yevgēnijs Isajevs, Tīkmane or Priede, Toms Harjo, Jānis Skutelis, Agate Krista, Ritvars Logins, Dāvids Pētersons, and Jāzeps Hermanis, showcasing a blend of seasoned performers and emerging talents.
Tickets for all performances through the end of this year have already sold out. However, a limited number remain available for the encore performance on January 24, 2025, as well as for additional performances scheduled on March 20, 21, 22, and 23.
