About Us

The Riga Independent Theater was founded in 2017. Riga-based theater activist Igors Tereško established the theater with the goal of providing both independent actors and directors, as well as actors and directors employed by state theaters, with the opportunity to independently realize their ideas and ambitions. The very idea of an independent stage open to everyone is nothing new, but Igors succeeded in creating and maintaining precisely such a stage, and immediately after its opening, actors, directors, and individual theater troupes began flocking to the theater. Those who wanted to bring their theatrical ideas to life gained not only the opportunity to use the space for performances but also assistance with administrative and legal matters to carry out their projects. Despite the fact that the theater operated solely on box office revenue and never received any external financial support, after less than a year of operation, the theater began hosting troupes not only from Riga but also from other Latvian cities, as well as artists from other countries. Almost immediately after opening, the theater began organizing acting courses and master classes with well-known theater and film professionals, guided by the same principle of independence that it applies when recruiting instructors with diverse methods, experiences, and levels of professionalism, including both local and foreign specialists. A summer camp was established featuring intensive acting classes. As a result of these efforts, education has come to account for half of the theater’s overall activities. Under the artistic direction of Igora Tereško, a talented team of actors has come together. Many productions have been staged, featuring both Latvian and foreign directors. The Riga Independent Theater’s annual Christmas performances delight not only children in Riga but also children in other Latvian cities. Every year, the artistic director himself, dressed as Santa Claus, joins the cast in greeting children in major European cities. The theater also organizes screenings of art films and auteur cinema.