Daniel Raggett’s “A Dream Story” at the Dailes Theatre: A Modern Grab on Schnitzler

British director Daniel Raggett is making his debut at the Dailes Theatre in Riga, Latvia, with a new production titled “A Dream Story,” based on Arthur Schnitzler’s play. The production, a collaboration with playwright Simon Stephens, is described as a “modern marriage drama” and features a visually ambitious design by Anna Reid, complemented by lighting from Jakub Lech and sound design by Oskar Pauliņš.

A Contemporary Interpretation

The production reimagines Schnitzler’s work for a modern audience, drawing inspiration from Stanley Kubrick’s film Eyes Wide Shut, as noted by Raggett. The play explores themes of marital crisis and subconscious desires, presenting a narrative where the line between reality and dream blurs. The staging, with its two-story set design by Anna Reid, aims for a visually striking experience, building on a tradition of ambitious productions at the Dailes Theatre.

Exploring the Male Psyche

The story centers on Frank, played by Arturs Krūzkops, a man grappling with a crisis of identity and desire. The play depicts a seemingly stable marriage challenged by Alice’s (Ieva Segliņa) openness about extramarital affairs, prompting Frank to embark on a surreal journey through a metropolis filled with unsettling encounters. The production draws parallels to Sigmund Freud’s theories on dream interpretation, suggesting that Frank’s experiences represent a veiled fulfillment of repressed desires.

Key Creative Team and Performances

Raggett’s direction is supported by a talented team, including visual artist Olivier de Sagazan, who created the masks for a climactic orgy scene. Niklavs Kurpnieks portrays Johnny Nightingale, a character who further draws Frank into the depths of his subconscious. Andras Bulis plays a taxi driver, and Milena Miškeviča and Katrina Griga embody potential figures of adultery within Frank’s journey.

Emotional Distance and Unresolved Questions

While visually compelling, the production is noted for its emotional distance. The play doesn’t offer easy answers or a clear resolution to Frank’s internal conflict. He returns to his family without fully understanding the events he’s experienced, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfillment. The production emphasizes the ambiguity of dreams and the difficulty of interpreting the subconscious.

Raggett’s Background and Recent Work

Daniel Raggett is an emerging director who was nominated for the Emerging Talent award at the 66th Evening Standard Theatre Awards in 2022. His previous work includes directing ANNA X by Joseph Charlton, starring Emma Corrin, at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London, and a new adaptation of Dario Fo and Franca Rame’s Accidental Death of an Anarchist, which transferred to the Lyric Hammersmith and the Theatre Royal Haymarket, earning an Olivier Award nomination. He has also worked as an associate director on productions including West Side Story and Network on Broadway and at the National Theatre. He also directed Brace Brace at The Royal Court, with design by Anna Reid. His short film, HERMIT, premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in late 2024.

Performance Details

“A Dream Story” is playing at the Dailes Theatre from February 28th to May 20th. Tickets are available through Ticket Paradise, ranging in price from EUR 18 to EUR 43.