Valmieras Theatre’s acclaimed production We, Rock, Sex and the USSR, directed by Jānis Znotiņš, will bring a poignant story of youth and rebellion to the stage on May 3rd at 5:00 PM, with additional performances on May 4th at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM and May 5th at 2:00 PM.
The play centers on Andrejs, Vizma, and Uģis, three seventeen-year-olds navigating life, love, and the complexities of family and the communist regime in 1985. Their desire for independence from older generations coincides with a collective yearning for change and freedom, all set against the backdrop of a legendary concert by the rock group Pērkons and the subsequent train demolition. The iconic band Pērkons will be featured in the production, with their music organically woven into the narrative, each song becoming a significant and emotionally resonant part of the story.
Director Jānis Znotiņš explained the impetus behind the play, stating, “When touring with performances to schools and discussing current events, I often heard the phrase that things are now worse than in the Soviet era. I heard this statement even in public, among politicians, and it seemed absurd to me. You’ll see already several generations who have grown up in independent Latvia, and they really don’t know anything about the Soviet era. Recognizing where we live and who our neighbors are, it became clear that we needed to talk about it.”
The production received the Audience Award for “Play of the Year” at the LSM.lv Spēlmāņu Nakts (Night of the Game) awards.
Spēlmāņu Nakts also recognized the play with nominations in the 2021/2022 season for: “Play of the Year for Children and/or Teenagers,” “Actor of the Year” for Eduards Johansons (for his role as Uģis), “Actor in a Supporting Role of the Year” for Kārlis Freimanis (for his role as Ivo), and “Young Stage Artist of the Year” for Sandis Runge (for his role as Andrejs).
Ance Muižniece was honored with the “Year’s New Drama Operate” award.
