NEW THEATRE INSTITUTE OF LATVIA

contemporary performing arts in Latvia and abroad

From 15 August to 20 January, New Theatre Institute of Latvia is implementing residencies of the international platform “Magic Carpets” with the participation of artist/documentary filmmaker Andrejs Strokins, dance artist, scenographer Līga Ūbele, directors Tatjana Ibraimova and Laura Čaupale.

The world and local social events at the moment are encouraging us to return to the stories of individuals and the possible dialogue between different people, communities and places. The artists in residence have chosen themes, places and communities that are home to ambiguous relationships, opinions and challenges. Through conversations, interviews and various workshops, artists will create dialogues and provide a platform for different stories and experiences to emerge.

During the residency, Andrejs Strokins will document stories of young people who have experienced differences of opinion among family or friends in relation to Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. Artist’s call to participants.

During her residency, Līga Ūbele is interested in getting to know the leisure habits of seniors in the Ķengarags neighbourhood, creating new events involving local residents, listening to their stories and suggestions. Līga will collaborate with local residents and Ingūna Potetinova – social anthropologist living in Ķengarags.

Laura Čaupale and Tatjana Ibraimova will work with Ukrainians, artists and the local community who have taken refuge in Latvia escaping the war in Ukraine.

About the artists:
Andrejs Strokins (b. 1984) is a Latvian photographer, living and working in Riga.
He works with documentary photography projects as well as with vernacular images and found archives.
In addition to pursuing his personal projects, Strokins works as a freelance photographer, mostly working with reportage and portraiture and editorial assignments.

Līga Ūbele is an independent contemporary dance artist and set designer. Līga creates her own dance performances, performs in other choreographers’ works, creates scenographies, and is involved in various interdisciplinary projects and residencies both in Latvia and abroad. Her latest production, a movement lecture Untitled, based on John Cage’s Lecture on Nothing, premiered in early September.

Tatjana Ibraimova is an director, actress, journalist born and raised in Kyiv, although family ties permeate all of Ukraine. Received two higher educations – artistic and directing. Worked in various theater and film projects as a director, actress and costume designer. Created a street theater of political performers TUS (theater of street satire); Working in Kyiv National University of art and culture as Organizer of creative practices for students.
Have an active public position and take part in rallies and protection of cultural monuments in Kyiv. Journalist of independent media SPILNO.tv, active participant of Revolution of Dignity 2013-2014.
In April 2022, she and her two children were forced to move to Latvia due to the war in Ukraine.
At this moment shooting a documentary project about Ukrainian culture in Latvia and its relevance in wartime.

Laura Čaupale has studied acting and directing at the Latvian Academy of Culture. She won the Play Night Award for Children’s Performance of the year for her production “Naksitrallīši” at the Puppet Theatre. Since 2017 she has worked in Ukraine in a rehabilitation programme with soldiers, widows and children who have lost their fathers. Now she continues to work with those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, integrating theatre exercises in the restoration of psychological resources.

“Magic Carpets” platform is an international project to promote the mobility and visibility of young European artists from different disciplines, giving artists the opportunity to take part in creative residencies where they work with local communities and artists to create socially inclusive and responsible works of art.

“Magic Carpets” platform and artists’ residencies are co-funded by the EU’s Creative Europe programme.

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