The musical narrative production World, worldly premieres on October 8 at the VEF Culture Palace in Riga, marking a theatrical tribute to composer and Eolika group founder Boris Reznik. The production reimagines a stage work originally created 18 years ago, updating the story of six youths in 1980s Riga for a contemporary audience. Director and libretto author Valdis Pavlovskis designed the revival to bridge generations using Reznik’s enduring pop melodies, bringing together a new generation of performers to explore youth, ambition, and the pursuit of freedom during a time when freedom could not be spoken aloud but could be sung about.
Cast Members Bring Pop and TV Experience to Stage Roles
The production features figures from Latvia’s contemporary pop, musical theater, and television spheres taking on the central roles. Citi Zēni saxophonist Dagnis Roziņš stars as Jānis, a talented student at the Cultural Workers Technical School who joins a musical group that reaches the “Liepājas dzintars” competition. Singer Linn (Linda Rušeniece) takes on a musical theater role, noting that the production demands proficiency in singing, dancing, and acting. The main cast also includes Eduards Rediko, Estere Tauriņa, Toms Kursītis, and Beate Megija Baranovska, alongside supporting performers Toms Kalderauskis, Una Daniela, Artūrs Biķernieks, AnnaKrista, and an eight-member dance troupe.
Tour Schedule Reaches Cultural Centers Through Autumn
Following its Riga premiere, the production embarks on a national tour visiting regional concert halls and cultural centers throughout October and November. The official tour dates include stops at the Ogre Cultural Centre on October 10, the Līvāni Municipality Culture Centre on October 16, and the Gors Embassy of Latgale on October 18. Additional performances are scheduled for the Jelgava Culture House on October 25, the Sigulda Devons Culture Centre on October 31, the Liepāja OC Rose Hall on November 1, a return to the VEF Culture Palace in Riga on November 2, and the Valmiera Culture Centre on November 8. Tickets are available through Biļešu Paradīze.
Classic Catalog Drives the Lyrical Narrative
The musical score weaves together Reznik’s most recognizable compositions. The tracklist features titles such as “World, World,” “Your Arrival,” “I’m Not Jane Fonda,” “Under the Sun or the Moon,” “Caravan,” “Pienenīte,” “I Will Return,” “I’m a Musician,” “How I Waited,” “Distant Fire,” and “Angel.” Musical director Mārcis Auziņš leads the sonic direction, blending 1980s atmosphere with modern stage language. Choreographer Juris Gogulis, set designer Egils Kupčs, video artist Jānis Romanovskis, costume designer Ilze Kaša, and vocal coach Anmary complete the creative team behind the staging.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Production
What is the core storyline of World, worldly?
The narrative follows six students at the Cultural Workers Technical School in 1980s Riga who form a musical band and pursue their dreams against the backdrop of a time when freedom could not be spoken aloud but could be sung about. The production explores first love, friendship, and the generational hope for a different future.
Who composed the music and wrote the libretto?
The music features the catalog of Latvian composer and Eolika founder Boris Reznik. Valdis Pavlovskis authored the libretto and directed the production.
Where can audiences purchase tickets for upcoming performances?
Tickets for all tour dates across Riga, Ogre, Livani, Gors, Jelgava, Sigulda, Liepaja, and Valmiera are available for purchase through the Biļešu Paradīze ticketing network.
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