From June 9 to 15, Jūrmala will host the theatre festival Aspazija – The Queen of Drama, dedicated to the 160th anniversary of the renowned poet Aspazija. Theatre Ģertrūdes Ielas Teātris will participate in the festival with a production of Aspazija's play The Witch, directed by Andrejs Jarovojs. The guest performance will take place at the Jūrmala Culture Centre on June 12 at 19:00.

The Witch was written in 1894 and first staged in 1895. It was created during the rise of the New Currents (Jaunā Strāva) movement, and the themes of the play reflect that period of transformation. Parallels can be drawn between the spirit of change embraced by the New Currents and the inevitable challenges that arise on the path to a new world and a new society. The protagonist, Liesma, undergoes a series of events—many initiated by her own actions—that can be seen as an initiation or transformation into someone who perceives the world, life, and people differently.

In interpreting The Witch, it is important to note that although Aspazija’s works were staged at the Theatre Rīgas Latviešu teātrī during her lifetime, the status of women in society, as she described it, remained "shrouded in the haze of a black night." Even today, 130 years later, the issue of gender equality remains highly relevant.

The play remains unfinished—Aspazija revisited the theme of The Witch several times later in life. Although multiple drafts of a conclusion exist, none were ever fully completed.