ALFAS

The music theater production “Alphas” was created inspired by the events in Jēkabpils in January 2011, when four police officers and one civilian carried out an armed robbery at a gaming hall, followed by a chase and a shootout during the arrest attempt by the Daugava riverbank. The consequences were tragic - while carrying out their duties and trying to detain the robbers, a police officer was killed. This event coincided with the lowest point of the crisis and at the same time sharply reminded people of the values of the “fat years,” namely bravado and the public celebration of an expensive, prestigious, and credit-based lifestyle. These events, which are now more than 10 years old, may seem like distant history, but it is still possible to ask these questions - how do we as a society understand the words “determination,” “strength,” “masculinity,” and “heroism”?

By rethinking and fictionalizing these events in a dramatic musical form, it is possible to create one’s own version of how human character, self-confidence, carelessness, and the situation in the country met at one point and caused a tragedy. This production is an opportunity to reflect on the role of men in society. How do they see themselves? What is expected of them? How should one think about all this and find oneself at an impasse?

The performance includes the sounds of gunshots and swear words.

The photographs used in the performance are taken from the National News Agency LETA.

Composer: Edgars Raginskis

Libretto: Jānis Balodis

Director: Valters Sīlis

Set Designer: Uģis Bērziņš

Lighting Designer: Niks Cipruss

Principal Repetiteur: Līga Paegle

Sound Design: Kārlis Tone

Percussionist: Ernests Mediņš

Choreographer: Edvards Kurmiņš

Cast: Aleksandrs Bricis, Artis Drozdovs, Mārtiņš Gūtmanis, Emīls Kivlenieks, Armands Siliņš