A Romantic Comedy Exploring Enduring Values

The Daugavpils Theater is set to premiere a new production of the romantic comedy, Next Year at the Same Time, directed by Herbert Laukštein. This marks Laukštein’s debut at the Daugavpils Theater,with the opening night scheduled for April 4th. the play delves into the complexities of love and commitment against a backdrop of societal upheaval.

The Enduring Allure of Forbidden Love

At it’s core, Next Year simultaneously occurring tells the story of Doris and George, two individuals who, despite being married to others, find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Their connection is so profound that they agree to meet annually, at the same place and time, forging a unique bond that transcends the conventional boundaries of marriage. This narrative explores the enduring human need for connection and the lengths to which people will go to maintain meaningful relationships, even under challenging circumstances.

A Playwright’s Acclaimed Work

The play is based on the acclaimed work of Canadian playwright and cinematographer Bernard Slade. his play originally premiered at the Brooke Atkinson Theater and garnered significant recognition, including a drama Desk Awards award and a Tony award nomination. The story’s universal appeal led to a film adaptation in 1978, further solidifying its place in popular culture. The enduring popularity of Next Year at the Same Time speaks to its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.

Director’s Vision: Reflecting on Unchanging Values

This production marks Laukštein’s second time directing this particular play. He has expressed that he is drawn to the material’s capacity to prompt reflection on values that remain constant, even amidst turmoil. He emphasizes the play’s setting in California from 1951 to 1975, a period marked by significant global events.

The show takes place in California and covers the period from 1951 to 1975. At that time, various changes and shocks were experienced – the fight between two superpowers in Korea continued, the Cold War began, the Vietnam War, the student unrest, the sexual revolution, the rock and drug boom.

Laukštein draws parallels between the societal shifts depicted in the play and the rapid changes of the modern world.He suggests that despite the uncertainty and volatility of contemporary life, certain fundamental human desires, particularly the connection between genders, remain constant.

Similarly, we live in a rapid change in time, in ignorance of tomorrow, in a lability, which clearly has an impact on people. But there is something fully unchanged at all times – the desire for two genders to each other. Love is the one that remains and helps with the biggest storms.

The Creative Team and Performance Details

The production stars Alexander Komarov and Natalia Coton in the lead roles. The creative team includes Fieldstein, stage designer Ivars noviks, costume artist Gatis Timofeyev, and light artist Sergei Vasilyev. The performance will be presented in Russian, with simultaneous translation into Latvian, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.