The musical is based on Elina Zalite's novel 'Agrā rūsa', which depicts Latvia in the 1930s. The novel gained wide recognition after its film adaptation in 1979, featuring Rimante Krilavichute, Olgerts Dunkers, Ivars Kalnins, and Gunars Cilinskis.
The first performance of the musical 'Early Rust' took place in 2007 at the Liepaja Theatre. The fourth stage version of this musical, directed by Oleg Shaposhnikov, will now be performed at the Daugavpils Theatre.
"The authors themselves call this musical an opera, and one cannot disagree with that, as the compositions are complex and require the highest level of skill from the performers. Therefore, we are especially pleased that our artists have reached a level that allows for a quality performance of this work," commented the director.
The creators of the musical explain that it is a touching and sad story about a young village girl's desire for a luxurious life and the high price she pays for her choice.
"Money is a magical key that opens all fairy tale locks," is a belief that Elsa formed under the influence of her mother. After graduating from high school, the capital city lured the girl with its possibilities, and shop windows seduced her with a beautiful life. However, Riga greeted Elsa with a smoky, stuffy room smelling of herring and unemployment. Illusions began to gradually crumble. Unable to resist the temptation of a beautiful and carefree life, Elsa marries a wealthy but elderly factory owner, Kikulis. Life with him resembles the shop windows that the girl once admired - outwardly bright, but essentially empty and cold. And the heart longs for something real. Yet, a choice made in a fit of emotion often demands the most expensive price.
Alongside already well-known artists, the performance will feature new faces - professional guest soloists, as well as graduates from the latest acting courses of the Daugavpils Theatre.
Premiere - January 24, 2026.
