Zane Daudzina marks birthday as long-held dream of a dramatic stage role comes true

Zane Daudzina, a well-known Latvian actress, speech coach and host of the show “Es mīlu tevi, Latvija” (“I Love You, Latvia”), celebrates her birthday on 6 November. In an interview with the magazine Privātā Dzīve, she said a long-held professional dream has come true this autumn: after 30 years working in comedy, she is taking part in a truly dramatic theatre production.

A new role at the New Riga Theatre

Director Alvis Hermanis invited Daudzina to play Nele in Inga Abele’s play “Vējdzirnavas” (“Windmills”). She described the experience as deeply moving, since it brings her back to the stage of the New Riga Theatre, which hosted her acting course under Juris Rijnieks during her student years. Now she performs there in a troupe of stars.

Birthday on stage

Daudzina said she has always enjoyed celebrating her birthday. She used to invite friends over, but since becoming a stage actress she often marks the day in the theatre. This year she will perform the show “Mazpiļsāta 2” in Līvāni. She plans to bake a cake for her colleagues and sing together on the drive home.

Acting above all

Although Daudzina has also worked as a writer, speech coach and presenter, she considers acting the most important part of her career. Two years ago she told the magazine IEVA that she becomes sadder when she lacks acting work, because she needs the moment shared with an audience. At the time, she admitted she did not feel her dream was fulfilled, as she had never played in dramatic theatre as an actress.