On Sunday at the Dailes Theater, on the 139th anniversary of the reformer of performing arts Eduards Smilgis, the ceremony of the theater award 'Spēlmaņu nakts' (Night of the Actors) took place, reported to LETA the project coordinator of the creative department of the Latvian Union of Theater Workers, Richard Vorobyov.
The lifetime achievement awards in performing arts were awarded to actress Aina Karele from the Liepaja Theater and actor Yakov Rafalson from the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theater.
The production by director Valters Silis 'Alphas' received the award in the category 'Small Form Play of the Year'. The winner in the 'Large Form Play of the Year' category was the Dailes Theater's production 'Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead', directed by Ola Mafaalani.
The Latvian National Theater's production 'Mad Dauga' directed by Jurgis Lūsis received the award in the category 'Children's and/or Youth Play of the Year'.
Director of the Year was recognized as Valters Silis for the production 'Alphas' at 'Dirty Deal Teatro', while the title of Actress of the Year went to Maya Doveyka for her role as Blanche in the Latvian National Theater's production 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. The Actress of the Year in a Supporting Role was awarded to Yana Lisova for her role as Stella in the same production.
Actor of the Year was Artis Jančevskis for his role as Hans Castorp in the Valmiera Theater's production 'The Magic Mountain'. The Supporting Actor of the Year was Ritvars Logins for his role as Tom Wingfield in the New Riga Theater's production 'The Glass Menagerie'.
The title of Young Stage Artist of the Year was awarded to Elizabete Milte for her role as Maria Shamraeva in the play 'The Unknown Maria', created as part of the Latvian Academy of Culture's festival of performing and audiovisual arts 'Patriarch's Autumn', as well as to Anni Kristiana Adamson for her role as Olympia in the opera 'The Tales of Hoffmann' at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.
In the category 'New Work of the Year in Dramaturgy or Play Script, Theatrical Text', the winner was Lyudmila Rozina with the play 'God is Here' at the Liepaja Theater.
Set Designer of the Year was recognized as Herman Ermič, Costume Designer of the Year was the creative association 'Mareunrol's', Lighting Designer was Nik Ciprus, and Video Artist was Katrine Neiburga. In the category 'Musical Innovation of the Year or Musical Arrangement', the winner was Edgars Raginš.
Choreographer or Movement Artist of the Year was Irina Bogeruk. Ballet Artist of the Year was recognized as Anton Freiman.
The Jury Prize for Children and Youth was awarded to the best play 'We, Summer Residents from the Island of Salsvarna', directed by Paula Plavniece at the Latvian National Theater.
Audience Choice Awards were presented in three categories. The Play of the Year was recognized by the audience as the production 'National Channel' at the Latvian National Theater directed by Matis Kazi. Actress of the Year was Daiga Gaismina for her role in the play 'Rebellious Riga' at the Latvian National Theater. The title of Actor of the Year went to Karlis Reyers for his role in the production 'Mad Dauga' at the same theater.
Special recognition from the international group of theater critics was awarded to Reinis Dzudzilo for the concept of visual dramaturgy, filled with meaning and evoking emotions, in the play 'National Channel' at the Latvian National Theater.
The professional jury of the 'Night of the Actors' award for the 2024/2025 season included: jury chair, theater critic and cultural journalist of 'Latvian Television' Henrieta Verhoustinska, theater scholars and critics Inggrida Vilkarse, Zane Radzobe, Guna Zeltiņa, theater critic and researcher Ilze Klavinya, theater critic, scholar, and editor-in-chief of the electronic theater magazine 'Kroders.lv' Ieva Rodinā, artist Sandra Krastinā, director, actor, and project manager Herbert Laukšteins.
