Valters Sīlis: Liepāja Theatre prepares for European Capital of Culture year

Valters Sīlis, one of the most acclaimed and beloved theatre directors in Latvia, has served as artistic director of the Liepāja Theatre since February 2024. In a recent interview, he shares his thoughts on the theatre's involvement in Liepāja's activities as a European Capital of Culture.

Sīlis is among the most recognized professionals in Latvian theatre — his work has been nominated for the Spēlmaņu nakts award more than a dozen times, and he has won it twice in the "Director of the Year" category, in 2020 and 2025. This reflects a sustained, high level of recognition within Latvia's theatre community over several years.

The country's oldest professional theatre

The Liepāja Theatre is Latvia's oldest professional theatre, and the interview centers on how this historic institution fits into what is described as a local European dimension — how the theatre sees its place among the events that will accompany the city's upcoming status as a European Capital of Culture.

Sīlis has held the artistic director position at the Liepāja Theatre since February 2024. Under his leadership, the theatre continues shaping its repertoire and creative direction while preparing for the significant period when Liepāja will hold the title of European Capital of Culture. The interview offers insight into how one of Latvia's leading theatre figures views the future of both his theatre and the city's cultural life in this context.