Liepāja Theater’s “Dāvātprieks” Concert Offers Intimate Reflection Amidst Holiday Cheer
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The Liepāja Theater’s annual Christmas concert, “Dāvātprieks,” is currently captivating audiences with a unique blend of personal storytelling and communal celebration, running from December 13th to 28th. As Latvijas Sabiedriskie Media reports, the production, spearheaded by director Valters Sīlis, has become a beloved tradition in Liepāja, offering a poignant reminder of the season’s true meaning.
A Tradition of Joy and Togetherness
Now in its latest iteration, “Dāvātprieks” distinguishes itself by inviting both introspection and a sense of shared experience. The concert, which premiered on December 13th, isn’t simply a performance; it’s a carefully curated journey through the complexities of the holiday season. Director Sīlis notes that the holidays represent “both being together and also a moment of solitude, because there is a pause.” This duality forms the core of the concert’s artistic vision.
Two Acts: Intimacy and Community
The concert unfolds in two distinct parts. The first act is deliberately intimate, providing a platform for each actor to share a personally significant song and accompanying story. This approach allows the cast to connect with the audience on a deeper level, revealing their inner worlds and fostering a sense of authenticity. According to one performer, Karina Tatarinova, actors were specifically encouraged to select songs with personal resonance, making the performance “even more authentic and closer to the audience.” Tatarinova further emphasized the importance of acknowledging that “Christmas can be different, not always according to stereotypes, because everyone has their own feelings and emotions.”
The second act shifts focus, emphasizing the power of community and the collective creation of holiday magic. Despite individual experiences and reflections, the concert ultimately affirms the unifying spirit of the season.
A Homecoming and Collaborative Spirit
For some performers, “Dāvātprieks” represents a welcome return to a cherished tradition. Actor Sandis Pīsis described the concert as “like a homecoming,” having not participated in Christmas performances for several years. Tatarinova also highlighted the successful collaboration between the actors and the creative team – including musicians, a scenographer, a lighting artist, and a choreographer – praising their collective effort in creating a festive atmosphere. She added that the cast has “reached a new level in joint singing this year.”
The talented ensemble cast also includes Armands Kaušelis, Everita Pjata-Gertner, Agnese Jēkabsone, Kaspars Kārkliņš, Signe Dancīte, Madara Kalna, Hugo Puriņš, Anete Rimkus, Valts Skuja, and Kārlis Artejevs, with musical accompaniment provided by a group led by Normund Kalniņas.
The True Meaning of the Season
At its heart, “Dāvātprieks” seeks to remind audiences of the fundamental values of the holiday season: gratitude, togetherness, and appreciation for loved ones. In a world often characterized by December’s “rush and daily worries,” the concert offers a moment for pause, reflection, and sincere gratitude. Sīlis eloquently captures this sentiment, stating that “the meaning of the holidays changes – at first you are a child – then you are more the recipient of the holidays, then as an adult – the provider of the holidays.” He concludes that the true essence of the season emerges when someone – be it a spectator, colleague, child, or friend – successfully evokes the genuine feeling of the holidays, creating “the true taste of the holiday, the real salt.”
Ultimately, the Liepāja Theater positions itself not merely as a venue for entertainment, but as a space for connection, shared emotion, and the creation of a collective holiday miracle.
