Latvian National Theatre

Building of the Latvian National Theatre

Building of the Latvian National Theatre on a vintage picture postcard.

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 the 18th of 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.

External links

• Official website (Latvian)