LIDZINIEKI

LIDZINIEKI is an ambitious and immersive large-scale site-specific theatre and dance project that takes place within the rich tapestry of a historical building, spanning across all of its floors. This groundbreaking experience is ingeniously designed as a time machine, inviting the audience to journey back in time and participate in an evening that could change the course of Latvia's history.

The project unfolds in a series of distinct scenarios, where participants have the unique opportunity to interact with prominent Latvian politicians and poets from the past. This engagement allows them to gain firsthand knowledge and insights into historical events and facts while navigating a thrilling narrative that involves encounters with secret police, puzzle-solving tasks, and daring escape sequences.

Throughout the experience, communication and teamwork become essential as participants collaborate to bypass guards, find hidden clues, and unlock the mysteries that surround them. The project's dynamic nature ensures that every decision made has a profound impact on the unfolding storyline.

The project is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the creative team, with a script, break-out game, and visitor experience that reflects their combined expertise. The result is a seamless fusion of theatre, dance, and interactive gaming elements, creating a unique and unforgettable journey through time and history.

With director Edgars Niklasons, the project comes to life with a keen focus on narrative depth and experiential immersion. The choreography, skillfully crafted by Janis Putnins, adds a layer of elegance and emotion to the narrative, enhancing the overall impact.

The cast features talented dancers, including Laura Gorodko, Aigars Larionovs, and Christophe Kerbouch, who bring their artistry and physicality to the project, further enriching the immersive experience for the audience. In addition, the project benefited from the involvement of the exceptionally skilled urban dance dancers from studio SPACE, whose contributions added a dynamic and contemporary dimension to the performance.

The project benefits from valuable consultation by project partners Jorunn Sofie Lullau, Steinar Thorsen, and Charlotte Faaberg-Johansen from Norway, who bring their expertise in interactive game design to the table. The Latvian creative team Luke Welch (dramaturge), Platons Buravickis (composer), Ance Eikena and Anita Rozentāle (artists), and Anda Ščerbaka (costume designer), collaboratively shapes the project's distinctive Latvian identity.

The project is skillfully managed by producer Ieva Niedre, who oversees the successful realization of the project.

Project is a transformative and engaging journey through history that invites participants to be a part of the narrative. The project redefines the boundaries of immersive theatre and offers a unique perspective on Latvia's past, one that is as entertaining as it is educational. It leaves audiences with lasting memories and a sense of their pivotal role in shaping history.

The project is supported by a grant of from the EEA Grants 2014-2021 "Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Cultural Cooperation" programme for Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, received under the open call "Support for the creation of professional arts and cultural products for children and young people". Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe!