Mar 19 • 09:48 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Ilga Martinsone, the long-time actress of the Liepaja Theatre, has died at the age of 87

Ilga Martinsone, a celebrated actress known for her long career at the Liepaja Theatre, has passed away at the age of 87.

Ilga Martinsone, who was born in Riga and became a significant figure in the Liepaja Theatre from the age of 19, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 87. She was invited by the renowned director Nikolajs Mūrnieks to join the theatre, where she became a beloved member of the community and spent over fifty years in her craft. Martinsone, along with her longtime stage partner Gunārs Borgs, contributed extensively to the musical repertoire of the theatre, showcasing her impressive vocal talents.

Throughout her remarkable career, Ilga showcased a wide range of operatic and musical works, performing the compositions of famous composers such as Abrahams, Lehár, and Kálmán. Her contributions did not only shape the theatre's performances; she also found personal happiness within its walls when she met her great love, Jānis Dreiblats, with whom she shared her life until the very end. Even after retiring from the theatre, Martinsone remained connected to the arts, becoming a notable member of the folklore group "Atštaukas," where she continued to provide strong musical support.

In her later years, due to health issues, Ilga was unable to visit the theatre as often, although she remained a presence within her folk group, even as her strength waned from illness. The Liepaja Theatre has expressed its profound condolences to her son Jānis and acknowledges her vital role in both the theatrical and local community, illustrating the deep bond that theatre creates within its practitioners and the impact they have on people’s lives.

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