Shortly after the ‘Night of the Gamblers’ ceremony ends, guests rush to capture their time together in photos, a light scent of flowers wafts in the air, and musicians warm up the evening party. Latvian National Theater actor Egils Melbārdis reveals that his feelings about him when meeting his colleagues in person at the festival are wonderful. He stresses that theater is a living art, so it should be celebrated “live”.
On the way to the dance floor, one by one greetings stop Kaspars Zvīgulis, winner of the “Actor of the Year” award, who admits that he waited and wanted the award, so he feels very good. He is happy that every year he works in such a way that his work can be appreciated, and this year he has succeeded.
The recipients of the event admit that working on the shows during the pandemic has been demanding and full of ignorance, because the theater doors have been closed to the public for a long time or the number of seats in the hall was limited. Latvian puppet theater actress Elīna Bojarkina breathes a sigh of relief, because finally it seems that everything is slowly returning to the old ways. She reveals that what was missing most during the pandemic was an audience to play with.
“Well, for some time now we have been happy to play in full halls, not to see masks and two meters in the audience. I hope times are no longer the same, because today there is real joy here”.
Particularly well represented was the Valmiera Drama Theater family, which received the most nominations, 18. Young actress Diāna Krista Stafecka, who began her career at the Valmiera Theater in the midst of the pandemic, is happy to admit to be welcomed to the team with open arms.
“The myth that young actors are greeted with such a suspicious look, I think, should be dispelled a long time ago, because the reception is very, very warm and I feel very welcome in the theatre.”
The evening continues in an informal atmosphere with hors d’oeuvres, champagne, chat and dancing until dawn.
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