The Latvian National Theatre (Latvian: Latvijas Nacionālais teātris) is the national theatre of Latvia in Riga.
The theatre was built between 1899-1902 by the design of architect Augusts Reinbergs, becoming Riga's second (Russian) theatre. It closed during the First World War; on 18 November 1918, Latvia's independence was declared in the theatre building. In 1917 the first shows in Latvian were held in the theatre.
The Latvian National Theatre was founded 30 November 1919, just over a year after independence. The creative program was authored by Jānis Akurāters, a Latvian writer, then head of the Art department of the Ministry of Education. The current managing director of the theatre is Viesturs Rieksts and the artistic director is Edmunds Freibergs.
Famous quotes containing the words national and/or theatre:
“I foresee the time when the painter will paint that scene, no longer going to Rome for a subject; the poet will sing it; the historian record it; and, with the Landing of the Pilgrims and the Declaration of Independence, it will be the ornament of some future national gallery, when at least the present form of slavery shall be no more here. We shall then be at liberty to weep for Captain Brown. Then, and not till then, we will take our revenge.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“... the theatre demanded of its members stamina, good digestion, the ability to adjust, and a strong sense of humor. There was no discomfort an actor didn’t learn to endure. To survive, we had to be horses and we were.”
—Helen Hayes (1900–1993)