Chekhov Theatre to Premiere “Freelancers”, a Play About Young Actors Facing Harsh Reality

The arcade of the Chekhov Theatre will host the premiere of “Freelancers”, a production directed by Edvīns Klimanovs, on 7 November. It is based on a play by Romanian actor, director and playwright Ion Sapdaru, in a translation by Mihail Potorac. The show deals with how to follow one's dreams in a world that constantly tests you.

What the play is about

Two young actors, Mișu and Laura, try to find their place in the theatre world without losing faith in themselves, their dreams and their art. When life turns out to be much harsher than they expected, they learn to turn everyday failures into jokes and any place into a stage.

Klimanovs explains that what first unites the pair – shared dreams, a sense of freedom and a wish to live differently – gradually becomes an ever heavier test. The central conflict lies between the wish to preserve love and creative freedom and the need to adapt to a harsh reality that demands a higher price for the chosen path. Their attempts to keep an artist's dignity in situations where life itself shows little interest in it provoke both laughter and an uncomfortable sense of recognition.

According to the director, the production's style combines punk-rock energy with sharp humour, and the aim is to give the audience an experience in which laughter at times gives way to sadness and emotion.

Creative team and performances

The set and costume designer is Daria Vipulis, the lighting designer is Sergejs Plenne, the music designer is Evilena Protektore, the video artist is Vadims Bogdanovs, and the stage manager is Kristiāna Drevinska. Chekhov Theatre actors Jūlija Berngardte and Ivans Streļcovs perform in the show, while actresses Tatjana Lukašenkova and Jeļena Sigova appear on video.

Upcoming performances are scheduled for 7, 11 and 15 November, and for 13, 19 and 20 December. The production is staged in Russian, with Latvian and English surtitles available in the hall.