The Next Shift

In order to further the development of theatre and to support a new generation of performing arts practitioners entering Latvian theatre, four theatres – Dirty Deal Teatro, Theatre Ģertrūdes ielas teātris, Rēzekne Theatre “Joriks” and Valmiera Drama Theatre – are collaborating on a joint project “The Next Shift”.

Young professionals entering the performing arts are crucial for the sustainability of the field – the young artists bring to their work the viewpoint, problems and questions of their generation, they bring new means of expression and creative solutions, as well as a younger audience. The shift from being students to working is not easy, which is why four theatres have joined their resources, knowledge and skills to create a platform where young artists can work on their first independent projects after graduating from the Latvian Academy of Culture and receive the needed support – the theatres will produce the performances, provide PR for the projects and accessibility. While working on their performances, the artists will also be taking part in a series of workshops “Think Tank” lead by dramaturgs Linda Krūmiņa and Evarts Melnalksnis. “Think Tank” is designed to be a supportive environment for the creative process and professional self-growth by promoting the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, exchange of experience, networking and developing future collaborations.

Artists who will be creating performances as part of “The Next Shift”:
• Henrijs Arājs (Valmiera Drama Theatre)
• Emīlija Berga (Theatre Ģertrūdes ielas teātris)
• Ilze Bloka (Dirty Deal Teatro)
• Ģirts Dubults (Theatre Ģertrūdes ielas teātris)
• Mārtiņš Gūtmanis (Dirty Deal Teatro)
• Anna Klišāne un Jurģis Lūsis (Dirty Deal Teatro)
• Klāvs Kristaps Košins (Rēzekne Theatre “Joriks”)
• Gundega Rēdere (Theatre Ģertrūdes ielas teātris)

Project “The Next Shift” is financially supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation’s programme “KultūrElpa”.