The story of strangers is not only needed to feel with them, but also to appreciate everything we have, according to the creators of the show.
“The theater is our collective thinking process that affects the overall attitude,” says actor Sandis Pois.
A little balance
Table of Contents
- 1. A little balance
- 2. Once we were on their side
- 3. Latvians like to hide
- 4. What are the key themes explored in the play regarding refugees?
- 5. On Stage and Off: Exploring refugee Issues Through Theater
- 6. What are some effective ways artists can use their platforms to raise awareness about the refugee crisis?
- 7. What are the key themes explored in the play regarding refugees?
- 8. On Stage and Off: Exploring Refugee Issues Through Theater
Table of Contents
He admits that after reading the novel and the play, we felt hopeless because we are worried about this and this in Latvia, but somewhere else in the world can be so limited by human rights.
The actor thought it didn’t make any sense from telling the story of the Liepaja and Latvian audiences.
“It has to be shown in the White House, the Kremlin or the Chinese President, because there is nothing to influence it,” said S. Pois at the time.
Looking for arguments for himself why you need to tell here, went into and found.
“The topic of refugees is very topical in the context of Ukraine and hybrid warfare, and its tendency is predominantly negative.
The news is already a show and is not an objective story, unless it tells only naked facts on both sides. There is a background intention why it is easier to sell the negative. So the show that focuses on the family story is a slight balance, ”the actor emphasizes.
“It is easy to lose humanity when people are used as statistics, as a resource and a weapon, are portrayed impersonally. It is a pleasure that in our story, the family ended well, but we cannot make propaganda on one side. There is common sense and reality, not just one truth. ”
Liepaja, a theater lover Aldis Kukuk, has also been interesting to look at the context of the migration of Europe’s outrage over the migration.
“It makes us think how we Latvians are at times lamenting for life, but we can say good,”
He says.
Aldis admits that he has not been particularly tired of the problem of refugees, but has paid attention to the fight for survival.
“People are ready to risk their lives to get to another country. Latvia is not so much so, where the best benefits are – Germany, England, Sweden. When the show’s heroes came to Austria, I thought – what’s the fault in Austria? Where else to run? It seems to be watching.
However, not everyone is like a show for whom it is a matter of survival. There are also self -interest seekers who want to get money and do nothing, ”says the viewer.
It is this aspect that should be emphasized-everyone should not put everyone in one bag, says Drama Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce, who led the discussion with the audience after the new production.
“Those who work with these extremely complex issues and cases must address every situation with full responsibility without turning live people to bureaucratic waste paper.
Because there are situations where we can “enter oats” with excessive compassion,
But exactly the same “ride in oats” can also happen if we start to be considered as the enemies who have certainly come here, led by evil motives. Then we become those who destroy hope and life. Art in this case causes us to preserve empathy and at the same time critical thinking, ”she believes.
Once we were on their side
Theater critic Dita Jonīte cannot name any other show about refugees in Latvia, so it is important that the theater starts talking about it.
The choice of topics depends on the artistic director of the theater, and Walter Silis thinks about these issues.
The critic, however, lacked events in the background of information and reason.
“I am interested in what is happening in Afghanistan, why the situation is that people are lying. Now it’s even worse, but the events of the play are taking place in the early 2000s, ”she notes.
S. Pois, after playing the first shows, cannot say unequivocally how viewers perceive the story.
“The subscription audience is professionals who are able to appreciate the diversity on the stage with the theater. They really liked it.
Being in the theater for 15 years, I can say that we will see it later when the audience will choose what to watch, not go to all productions, ”
expresses the actor.
It is quite arrogant to think that we are not affected by the world, says R. Bugavičute-Pēce.
“In the background of today’s political turbulence, we are far from being protected from the probability of once again as a nation on the side of asylum seekers.
It is very easy to alienate the events when they seem to be affected by us, but we were not so long ago, we were faced with the help and blatant rejection, we were on the side we choose not to understand and not accept, ”she emphasizes and positively evaluates V. Rozin’s director’s approach, in which Afghan problems are tackled as ours.
Without an attempt to label the crops that we could not fully understand, but the problems in the center are putting a family who needs to get away to a country where they can not only be protected, but also to provide the son’s appropriate medical assistance.
Latvians like to hide
S. Pois speculates that the difference is frightened at the instinct level, so we do not want to sort the asylum prayers. The Ukrainian looks like and does not scare us. Our views are also being built in the public environment.
“Islamic believers have quite different traditions and feelings of adequacy, a different temperament from us, the northerners. Western Europe is so eager to integrate them, but faces huge problems because of the cultural differences expressed – which is normal, what can and not, ”says the actor.
“The show gives you a very valuable opportunity to look at ourselves and appreciate what we have, but it seems self -evident and tiny.
It shows how far we have been in our human development compared to a culture in which liberal and democratic values, gender equality is simply not occurring. ”
“The situations are different – there is war in one country, the other is hot, the third is a totalitarian regime in which women are in animal status,” D. Jonīte outlines the breadth of refugee issues.
“But for Latvians already really Not interested in others. Latvians like to hide – my backyard, my druva and strangers not to get inside and do not bother me to live. But the main thing is that those strangers are delighted with my uniqueness! ”
Also, for other problems, such as climate change, choosing elections, much of society pretends that there are no problems, so they believe that they also have no place in the theater.
“The theater is like a bridge that takes us to information and interest in it,”
points out the critic.
That is why the conversations are very important after the performances. Their organizers are worried about people wanting to be delayed, so they were amazed at how many spectators wanted to meet the creative team.
The actors also spoke about the issues that have been revealed during the production of the show – how to get rid of stereotypes, how to understand women’s issues on that side of the world, how to preserve humanity, how to realize that we live in very different realities. freedoms.
Both D. Jonīte and R. Bugavičute-Pēce have a valuable impression on the audience who works in the institution where the refugee affairs is reviewed.
The documents only see the name, but the professionals in the field should remember that there are people with their problems with their problems and a vicious circle behind each line on paper.
“In this respect, the show only touches the problem with white gloves, which is neither bad nor well, because something has to be started.
In the theater, it is always important that the director wants to share this topic, not that we have to talk more about refugees and therefore have to be studied. The theater in a way shows that we are not particularly interested in it, ”says the critic.
What are the key themes explored in the play regarding refugees?
On Stage and Off: Exploring refugee Issues Through Theater
A poignant new play exploring the multifaceted challenges faced by refugees has sparked considerable discussion within Latvia’s theatrical community. We sat down wiht director V. Rozin and actors D. Jonīte and S.Pois to delve into the motivations behind the production and its impact on audiences.
V. rozin, could you tell us about the inspiration behind this play?
“It was a combination of factors. The global refugee crisis is undeniably severe, and I felt compelled to bring these stories to the forefront.More specifically, I wanted to explore the human impact of this crisis, giving a voice to those often marginalized and overlooked.”
D. Jonīte, as an actor portraying a refugee, what challenges and insights did you encounter in bringing this role to life?
“It’s a deeply humbling experience. It’s easy to distance ourselves from the realities of displacement and loss, but immersing myself in this character’s story forced me to confront the emotional and psychological toll of such experiences. ”
S. Pois, your character seems to embody skepticism towards the plight of refugees. What message are you hoping to convey through this outlook?
“It’s crucial to acknowledge that not everyone has the same empathy or understanding. by portraying this character, I hope to spark a conversation about the fear of the unknown and the prejudices that can arise in times of crisis. It’s about exploring the complexities of human nature, even the less palatable aspects.”
This production has garnered important interest from audiences. What do you believe lies behind this resonance?
V. Rozin: “Perhaps people are realizing that these are not just abstract problems, but real human stories that touch upon our own values and vulnerabilities.Theatre has the power to bridge divides and foster empathy, and I believe that’s what’s happening here.
D. Jonīte: “The conversations after the performances have been incredibly powerful. People are sharing their own experiences, asking questions, and challenging their own assumptions. This can inspire real change, both within ourselves and in society as a whole.”
S. pois: “In a world that often feels increasingly divided, this play offers a platform for dialog and understanding. It reminds us of our shared humanity,even in the face of difference.
What would you say to someone who might be hesitant to see this play?
“Don’t hesitate,” D. Jonīte urges.”Step outside your comfort zone, engage with these stories, and allow yourself to be challenged and moved. It’s a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience.”
What are some effective ways artists can use their platforms to raise awareness about the refugee crisis?
What are the key themes explored in the play regarding refugees?
On Stage and Off: Exploring Refugee Issues Through Theater
A poignant new play exploring the multifaceted challenges faced by refugees has sparked considerable discussion within Latvia’s theatrical community. We sat down wiht director V. Rozin and actors D. Jonīte and S. Pois to delve into the motivations behind the production and its impact on audiences.
V. Rozin, could you tell us about the inspiration behind this play?
“It was a combination of factors. The global refugee crisis is undeniably severe, and I felt compelled to bring these stories to the forefront. More specifically, I wanted to explore the human impact of this crisis, giving a voice to those often marginalized and overlooked.”
D. Jonīte, as an actor portraying a refugee, what challenges and insights did you encounter in bringing this role to life?
“It’s a deeply humbling experience. It’s easy to distance ourselves from the realities of displacement and loss, but immersing myself in this character’s story forced me to confront the emotional and psychological toll of such experiences.
S. Pois, your character seems to embody skepticism towards the plight of refugees. What message are you hoping to convey through this outlook?
“It’s crucial to acknowledge that not everyone has the same empathy or understanding. By portraying this character, I hope to spark a conversation about the fear of the unknown and the prejudices that can arise in times of crisis. It’s about exploring the complexities of human nature, even the less palatable aspects.”
This production has garnered crucial interest from audiences. What do you believe lies behind this resonance?
V. Rozin: “Perhaps people are realizing that these are not just abstract problems,but real human stories that touch upon our own values and vulnerabilities.Theatre has the power to bridge divides and foster empathy, and I believe that’s what’s happening here.
D. Jonīte: “The conversations after the performances have been incredibly powerful. People are sharing their own experiences, asking questions, and challenging their own assumptions. this can inspire real change, both within ourselves and in society as a whole.”
S. Pois: “In a world that often feels increasingly divided, this play offers a platform for dialog and understanding. it reminds us of our shared humanity, even in the face of difference.
What would you say to someone who might be hesitant to see this play?
“Don’t hesitate,” D. Jonīte urges.”Step outside your comfort zone, engage with these stories, and allow yourself to be challenged and moved. It’s a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience.”
