A new production of Imants Kalniņš’ groundbreaking rock opera, Ei, jūs tur! (“Hey, You There!”), is set to premiere next year coinciding with the composer’s 85th birthday. Originally composed in 1971, the opera-based on William Saroyan’s play Hello Out There!-became a potent symbol of resistance during the Soviet era, and its premiere was delayed until 1977 due to its perceived anti-state message. This revival promises a renewed exploration of the opera’s themes of freedom,love,and courage,featuring a new cast and creative team.
“Today, this message returns with renewed force, because even now, freedom is not a given. Not only within national borders, but also within our own minds – are we able to be courageous, to speak out, to stand up for truth, beauty, and humanity? Remaining silent about what matters is heavier than a prison wall,” say the creators of the production – the Inspiration Foundation in collaboration with the Northern Riga Cultural Association.
A performance of the rock opera will coincide with the upcoming 85th birthday of its musical author, Imants Kalniņš, next year. Ei, jūs tur! (Hey, You There!) was composed by Kalniņš in 1971 and is the first Latvian rock opera. Poet Viks (Viktor Kalniņš) created its libretto based on motifs from William Saroyan’s play, Hello Out There!, an American playwright of Armenian descent. The play premiered in California in 1941, later being staged on Broadway, adapted for the screen, and even transformed into an operatic version.
Ei, jūs tur! tells a story of love and a longing for freedom. During the Soviet era, Kalniņš’s rock opera was considered anti-state, and its premiere only took place in 1977 at the Liepāja Theatre. Māris Putniņš was originally the director, but he became persona non grata, and Oļģerts Kroders took over the production. Indra Briķe, Ieva Akuratere, and Juris Bartkevičs starred in the roles, with the Līvi group, featuring Juris Pavītols, also participating in the performance. At the time, the rock opera was a daring dream of breaking free – from the regime, from walls, from silence. Under the Iron Curtain, it became a symbol of liberty, resonating with a generation yearning for change.
The rock opera features three voices. He and She are two dreamers searching for a path to freedom – roles that will be played by singers Atis Zviedris and Viktorija Majore in the new production of Ei, jūs tur!, directed by Rēzija Kalniņa. The chorus also plays a distinct role in the performance, embodied by the singers of the Jasmīna Choir under the direction of Agita Rimšēviča. The chorus on stage represents a flock, a “mainstream” that speaks with one voice, submits to groupthink and ideology, and stifles the individual.
The instrumental accompaniment for the rock opera will be provided by musicians Romāns Vendiņš (keyboards), Pēteris Liepiņš (bass), Raitis Aukšmuksts (drums), Jānis Kalniņš (guitar), Rolands Majors (guitar), Eduards Raubiško (clarinet), and Andis Klučnieks (flute). The choreography for the production is by Elīna Gaitjukeviča, and the set design is by Artūrs Virtmanis.
Music critic Orests Silabriedis and philosopher Kaspars Eihmanis will also be part of the event, sharing their reflections on the rock opera’s historical context, its symbolic significance, and its ability to connect with contemporary audiences.
Tickets are available at Biļešu paradīze.
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