To mark the 750th anniversary of Daugavpils, the city’s theatre scene was stepping into the spotlight once again. Daugavpils Theatre, in collaboration with Vienības nams, Ģertrūde Street Theatre and Dirty Deal Teatro, organised the Theatre Festival No 4 – with an expanded and dynamic programme for both locals and visitors.
The festival opened on June 3, offering thought-provoking performances that stand out for their distinctive artistic approaches and socially relevant themes. Theatre Festival No 4 was supported by the Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation and the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia.
Oļegs Šapošņikovs, Director of Daugavpils Theatre:
“We believe in theatre as a vital meeting place – especially in turbulent times marked by political and economic uncertainty. It’s where different voices are heard, difficult questions are posed and shared futures can be imagined. Festival No.4 serves as a creative bridge, connecting theatres and communities while making contemporary performing arts more accessible in Latgale and enriching its cultural fabric.”
This year, the festival invited also an international guest of significant importance: Volnya Kupalautsy (“The Free Kupalovtsi”) – the independent troupe formed by former members of the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre in Minsk, Belarus, currently living in exile in Poland. On June 4, the troupe will present their performance “Zekameron”, inspired by the writings of Belarusian political prisoner Maksim Znak. By hosting this production, Daugavpils Theatre continues its support for free artistic expression and solidarity with artists working under pressure.
PROGRAMME (In Latvian).
Photo: Ģertrūdes ielas teātris
