About the show
Table of Contents
The Latvian Puppet Theater has created a new show for young people and adults called “Loneliness”, which focuses on the final stage of human life and the emotions associated with it. As Latvian Public Media informs, the authors, directors and performers of the show are actors Anna Klišāne and Agris Nātre. Their joint work is also the third important member of the show – the doll Sarmīte, who plays the main character. The show is a tribute to grandparents and at the same time an invitation to talk about a topical and painful topic – loneliness.
Exploring loneliness through art
The play “Loneliness” plays out the end-of-life experience of a person in less than an hour, exploring loneliness as a phenomenon and even a disease that can affect anyone. It is a bit poignant, but a thought-provoking show that invites the viewer to enter the world of the main character Sarmīte, the rhythm of her life, perceptions and memories. The performance is textless, the means of expression of the actors is the language of movements, drawing and the use of origami technique in the creation of figurines. Anna Klišane admits that the inspiration for the production came from thinking about her grandmother and her life story, as well as how easily loneliness can creep in without noticing. She emphasizes that loneliness is recognized as a serious disease that affects the whole body. The creators of the show have collected and generalized the experiences of various people to create this poetic story.
Collaboration between the Sarmīte doll and the actors
The main character, the doll Sarmīte, was made by the actors themselves. This so-called tablet doll is very human in appearance and is led by Agris Nätre, whose proximity resembles her guardian angel. Anna Klišane helps the doll to express itself, and both actors create a close connection with the audience during the performance. The creators of the show emphasize that they do not want to give ready-made answers or instructions, but encourage the audience to empathize with the main character and, perhaps, after the show, contact someone close to them who feels similar loneliness. They themselves learned both the art of making dolls and origami especially for this production.
Dedication and invitation
“Loneliness” is not only a show about loneliness in old age, but also a reminder that in today’s fast-paced era, even a person who is almost never alone can feel lonely. The premiere of the play took place on February 13 at the Latvian Puppet Theater, but further performances are scheduled for other dates as well. They are dedicated to the older generation and at the same time serve as an invitation to talk about this important topic in society. The play is created as a meditative process where the feelings and the message are more important than a specific dramaturgical story.
