Ventspils Theatre to stage modern take on Brigadere's "Čaukstenes" at Pārventa library

Ventspils Theatre will perform a modern adaptation of Anna Brigadere's play "Čaukstenes" on October 16 at the Pārventa library in Ventspils. Through comic and at times absurd scenes, the production examines society's obsession with popularity, status and self-promotion.

From drawing rooms to social media

Brigadere wrote the play in 1907, and it was first published in 1924. It ironically portrayed the ambitions of turn-of-the-century society, particularly the aspirations of the so-called "ladies' society": being wealthy, living in a prestigious part of Riga, being married to an influential husband, and maintaining social status through gossip and sociability. The annotation accompanying its first publication described the play as a gentle mockery of the foolishness, boastfulness and lack of self-respect among newly prosperous Latvian "ladies."

Director and set designer Kārlis Neimanis, who leads the Ventspils Theatre production, suggests that more than a century later, people's craving for recognition and attention has not disappeared — only the means of achieving it have changed. While in Brigadere's time attention was sought in social salons, today social networks serve as the main stage for self-presentation. The production invites audiences to reflect on the gap between a person's public image and their actual reality.

Cast and tickets

Costume and style design for the production is by Samanta Stankus. The cast includes actresses Baiba Griķe, Sinta Daliņa, Sandra Gūtmane, Dzintra Urbāne, Silva Vensberga and Anna Gegere, with Samanta Stankus and Matīss Cimbaļuks appearing in smaller roles.

Tickets cost 3 euros and can be purchased in advance at the Ventspils Culture Centre box office, or on the day of the performance at the Pārventa library itself.