Other events in Baltic States

At last night's 2008/2009 "Night of Players" ("Spelmanu nakts") Theater Awards in Riga's Daile Theater, New Riga Theater's Alvis Hermanis took home the top two awards: "Dramatic Production of the Year" and "Best Director", informs LETA.

The first was for his play "Blue Mountain Martha" ("Zilakalna Marta"), the second for his direction of "Blue Mountain Martha" and "Grandpa" ("Vectevs"), written and played solo by Vilis Daudzins. Daudzins was named "Best Actor" for his performance.

The awards were presented in 14 categories.

"Best Actress" went to the National Theater's Dace Bonate for the starring role in "Bille", while Regina Razuma (New Riga Theater) and Arturs Skrastins (Daile Theater) were singled out for supporting roles.

Director Inese Micule was recognized for "Most Promising Debut" for her direction of "Fundamentalist" at New Riga Theater.

Nominations were announced back in June, and the National Theater company scored the biggest number – 22.

The winners were decided by a jury of theater experts, but in the audience vote, Daudzins was the favorite, as was the National Theater's Dita Lurina and the Hermanis-directed "Grandpa".

The award for lifetime achievement in the Latvian theater went to to veteran set designer/artist Ilmars Blumbergs.