Building a World from Small Things. An Interview with Director and Founder of Theatre Day Celebrations Valdis Lūriņš
Valdis Lūriņš celebrates his 75th birthday, reflecting on his journey in theatre and his aspirations for the future in an interview.
Valdis Lūriņš, the renowned director and founder of Theatre Day celebrations, recently celebrated his 75th birthday. Born in Krasnoyarsk, Lūriņš never anticipated that his return to Riga would lead him into the vividly contrasting world of theatre. An interesting tidbit from his life is that he had theatrical names in mind for his children, highlighting his deep connection to the theatrical world right from the outset. In a conversation with Gunda Vaivodi, the director of Latvijas Radio 3 'Klasika', Lūriņš shared his first childhood memories from Siberia and discussed the intriguing circumstances that brought him to the Pionieru Palace and Dailes Theatre. He shed light on the controversy surrounding the banned production of "Joan of Arc" and elaborated on the phenomenon of Theatre Day, while also presenting his perspective on today's cultural landscape in Latvia. Lūriņš reveals that part of his artistic ambitions is to raise awareness about the destinies of many individuals impacted by history. When asked about his greatest creative dream for the future, Lūriņš expressed a desire to enact a project that addresses the fates of numerous people, underscoring his commitment to merging artistic expression with social issues. His reflections provide insight into the enduring influence of theater in shaping cultural conversations and his steadfast commitment to highlighting the stories of the past, reminding audiences of significant historical narratives that continue to resonate in today's society.