Regnārs Vaivars to Stage New Production of Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš’s “Atbalss Aija” at the Latvian National Theatre
The Latvian National Theatre will premiere a new production of Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš’s “Atbalss Aija” on March 17, directed by Regnārs Vaivars.1 This marks Vaivars’s return to Jaunsudrabiņš’s perform after 16 years, offering a fresh interpretation of the classic trilogy, focusing on the themes of resonance and illusion.
A New Perspective on a Timeless Tale
Vaivars previously staged “Aija” at the Dailes Theatre’s Kamerzāle, concentrating on the complex relationships between the three young protagonists and the destructive power of passion.1 The new production expands the scope to include Aija’s three children, a creative decision informed by the director’s personal experiences.1
According to the theatre, the inclusion of children alters the dynamics of the story, prompting a re-evaluation of Aija’s choices and Jānis’s idealized perceptions. The production explores the enduring human tendency to project desires onto others, rewrite memories, and ultimately confront disillusionment.1
Exploring Themes of Subsistence and Illusion
The production description highlights the stark realities faced by a woman with three children – the basic needs of food, shelter, and warmth.1 Jānis is determined to provide these necessities for Aija and to elevate her and her daughters, but the play questions whether his efforts are sufficient, particularly given the differing “blood groups” and the possibility that Aija is merely an echo of Jānis’s own desires.1
Creative Team and Cast
The creative team behind “Atbalss Aija” includes Regnārs Vaivars as the director and dramatist, Valters Kristbergs as the scenographer, Madara Botmane as the costume designer, Lienīte Slišāne as the lighting designer, and Reinis Indāns for sound design.1
The cast features Igors Šelegovskis or Klaavs Kristaps Koshins as Jānis, Laura Siliņa as Aija, Roman Bargais as Juris, Amanda Livdāne as Ruta, Elza Kristberg as Zenta, and Amelia Lukaševičas as Mare.1
Regnārs Vaivars: A Prolific Director
Regnārs Vaivars, born December 22, 1973, in Jūrmala, is a Latvian actor and director who graduated from the Latvian Academy of Culture in 1997.23 He has directed productions at numerous Latvian theatres, including the National Theatre, Dailes Theatre, Liepāja Theatre, and the New Riga Theatre.23
Vaivars recently received a “Spēlmaņu nakts” award for his direction of “Latviešu raķetes” at the Liepāja Theatre in 2023/2024, and was also nominated for “Gada režisors” (Director of the Year).2 He is also known for his work on “Purva bridējs ugunī” (Swamp Wanderer on Fire) with Kārlis Lācis, based on the works of Rūdolfs Blaumanis.24