Renewal of Contacts: Problems and Benefits

The Liepaja theater in Latvia is headed by Lithuanian director Rolandas Atkociunas. Its artistic practice is a quite striking example of complementary and contrasting cultures, demonstrating common qualities as well as essential differences between neighboring theatrical traditions. The theater of action typical for Lithuania comes from the rituals of Catholicism, while the priority of the spoken word in Latvian theater is rooted in Lutheranism. These differences sometimes disturb the process of directing and acting. At the same time, they serve as a source for new inspiration and creativity.