Vītols: Without an Extension the National Theatre Cannot Develop, But Liepāja Theatre Survives Without Everything

National Theatre director Ojārs Vītols has announced that without an extension, the theatre's development is impossible, which only causes bewilderment in Liepāja. While the capital whines about 39 million euros and halls with 95% occupancy, our Liepāja Theatre has been proving for years that true art doesn't depend on square meters.

Vītols complains that they lack new halls and rehearsal rooms, but Liepāja Theatre — a cultural center that even Riga residents travel to — successfully operates with what it has. Local theatre-goer Aivars comments: "We don't need extensions, we need actors who can perform even during storms when the roof is rattling."

Riga City Council has decided to postpone the start of construction until March 2029, but only finish it in 2036. Such pace would be unacceptable in Liepāja — in our city, if something starts being built, it also gets finished. Or at least we try to finish it before the materials get blown away to the Kurzeme Sea.

Vītols admits that the project's implementation has been affected by the geopolitical situation and war, but in Liepāja we know — true culture flourishes not in favorable conditions, but precisely when character must be proven. While Riga counts millions, our actors continue performing even when the wind from the sea is so strong that the scenery has to be tied down with rope.