Vilzēni amateur theatre earns high praise at Valmiera region showcase

The amateur theatre group «Man patīk» from the Vilzēni community centre took part in the Valmiera municipality amateur theatre showcase, held at the Vaidava culture and crafts centre, and received a very high rating. The group represents Limbaži municipality, so performing in another municipality's showcase is not an everyday occurrence, even though amateur theatres are in principle allowed to do so.

Why Valmiera

The theatre's director, Dace Šķepaste, explained that the group could not have taken part in the showcase planned in Limbaži, because the actress playing the lead role was busy at that time. The Valmiera date, by contrast, suited the group, as all the actors were available.

She stressed that it is sometimes valuable to travel away from home and show what you can do in a completely different setting. This, she said, helps you understand how your work looks outside your familiar surroundings.

Surprise at the number of participants

Actor Andrejs Vaičuks said the group was surprised that only three theatres took part in the Valmiera showcase. In Limbaži municipality, he said, there are considerably more such amateur groups. Andrejs recently founded his own theatre group in Aloja.

The showcase and its assessment are covered in more detail in the newspaper «Auseklis», which also publishes an e-edition.