Authors and performers: Krišjānis Sants and Eric Ericson   

Musicians: Mārtiņš Miļevskis and Rihards Lībietis   

Producer: New Theatre Institute of Latvia

Collective work by Latvian Krišjānis Sants and Swede Eric Ericson “Vērpete” (Whirlwind) is based on a structure of folk melodies, the rhythmic code of which determines the movement of dancers through space and time. Starting with one movement and continuing to develop it, the artists move from a peaceful atmosphere to a quick-paced and emotionally rich environment. As in nature, when looking at its elements you can almost sense its force, this performance also has a similar effect with its fascinating dynamics, which captivate not only the dancers, but also the viewers.

The premiere of “Vērpete” (Whirlwind) took place within the programme of the International Festival of New Theatre Homo Novus in autumn, 2015 earning a loud ovation from those present.

Krišjānis Sants and Eric Ericson met during their studies at the prestigious dance school P.A.R.T.S. in Brussels.

Krišjānis Sants is a Latvian dancer and choreographer, who after his studies in the Latvian Academy of Culture and in P.A.R.T.S. took an active part in contemporary dance in Latvia. In his works Krišjānis has experimented with transferring the Latvian patterns and folk melodies into dance, and has cooperated with kokle player Laima Jansone.

Eric Ericson is a Swedish dancer and choreographer, who became interested in movement while being engaged in breakdancing and circus. After obtaining = education incontemporary dance at P.A.R.T.S. school, Eric continued to work in Brussels and elsewhere in the world as a dancer and lecturer, cooperating with several remarkable choreographers.

Mārtiņš Miļevskis and Rihards Lībietis represent the generation of the new musicians and are talented improvisers. In their daily lives they work separately, taking part in various projects and music bands, and they will meet each other on the stage for the first time.

The performance will begin in the art space Civita Nova, inviting its spectators along to the Great Hall that on this evening will be uniquely arranged, allowing the audience to be in the centre of the big stage along with the artists.

Organised by: “Lielais dzintars” in cooperation with the New Theatre Institute of Latvia    

Supported by: EU programme “Creative Europe”, The Republic of Latvia Ministry of Culture, State Cultural Capital Foundation, [DNA]