Mārupītē nogrimusī kurpe: ilgtspējas aspekti ekoteātrī Latvijā

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore environmentally conscious theatre practices in the Latvian performing arts scene in the period 2019–2022. Firstly, the article provides an insight into the concepts of ecotheatre and ecoscenography according to theatre scholars Una Chaudhuri, Theresa J. May, Lisa Woynarski, Tanja Beer, and Sofia Pantouvaki and their theoretical perspectives. Secondly, the paper identifies the current internal position on sustainability issues within those Latvian theatres which take into account sustainable practices through ecotheatre production process. Thirdly, the article highlights those ecotheatre case studies which demonstrate a sustainability-based approach to performance production. With the rise of environmental issues, the role of performing arts in shaping the ecological consciousness of society is growing. Therefore it is crucial not only to look at the eco-narratives of theatre productions but also to analyse the process of making performances and the related sustainability aspects. Despite the fact that theatre has historically developed an anti-ecological character, there are increasing signs of a shift in thinking among theatre professionals worldwide, towards an awareness of the potential environmental impact of the production and performance. In Latvia too, the last decade – from 2012 to 2022 – has seen an increase in ecotheatre productions that not only use ecodramaturgical materials as their basis but also incorporate sustainability-based practices in the process of creating these productions. The research, rooted in descriptive and comparative methods, shows that small theatre companies are more open and ready to introduce sustainability principles into their theatre activities. The focus on identifying and mitigating ecological impacts in the Latvian theatre scene is currently an individual choice of the artist, lacking a systematic approach to the process of creating performances. With the growth of original drama works about the relations between human and nature, new forms of performance are also entering the theatre repertoires, which allow to address sustainability aspects in the process of performance creation. Considering ecotheatre as a form of environmental activism, it is also important to respect the principles of sustainability in the production of ecotheatre performances, which is why theatre professionals should aim for a systematic approach to sustainability in the production of a performance.