Burning for the Future

How the National Theatre of Latvia’s "In Fire" Redefines Eco-Design

At the National Theatre of Latvia (LNT), the flames of Rūdolfs Blaumanis’s legendary drama "In Fire" (Ugunī) are taking on a new meaning. While the play remains a powerhouse of Latvian emotion and tragedy, this latest production marks a historic milestone for the European stage: it is a premier "Zero-Waste Lab" production under the Greenstage project.

By utilizing the digital tools and circular methodologies available right here on Greenstage.eu, the creative team has moved beyond the traditional "take-make-waste" cycle, proving that high-caliber art can thrive within a circular economy.

A Foundation of Knowledge: The Eco-Theatre Shift

Before the first rehearsal began, the National Theatre of Latvia committed to a systemic change in mindset. The theatre staff participated in a foundational lecture led by theatre scientist and eco-theatre researcher Kitija Balcare.

This session introduced the core principles of eco-theatre, grounding the upcoming production in scientific and theoretical frameworks. By educating the staff - from administration to technical crews - the LNT ensured that the sustainable goals of "In Fire" were understood and supported by the whole institution.

The Creative Vision

Under the direction of Inese Mičule, this production of "In Fire" is as much a visual manifesto as it is a theatrical performance. The creative team includes:

Visual Dramaturgy (Scenography & Costumes): Reinis Dzudzilo
Choreography: Liene Grava
Music: Rihards Zaļupe

Together, they have stripped the performance down to its essential truths, both narratively and physically.

The Scenographer’s R Strategies

Visual dramaturg Reinis Dzudzilo approached the production by implementing a rigorous hierarchy of R-strategies (Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Repurpose, Re-use, Refurbish). The result was a staggering 80% re-use rate for the overall scenography and costuming.

While 20% of the materials - specifically props like the dance floor, raincoats, rain boots, and small metal tubs - had to be purchased new, the theatre prioritized high-quality items. These are not single-use "stage props" but durable goods that have already been integrated into the theatre's permanent inventory for use in future productions.

Eco-Design Highlights: Radical Circularity

The production’s commitment to zero waste is visible in every frame of the performance. By using the Zero-Waste Stage Toolbox, the LNT team achieved several remarkable sustainability benchmarks:

The Chair as the Basis: The centerpiece of the scenography features 280 chairs. These were previously used as audience seating at the theatre’s small stages and were slated for replacement. Instead of being discarded, they were refurbished and integrated into the artistic soul of the play.
The Wedding Dress Collection: In a powerful community-driven effort, the theatre collected 160 wedding dresses donated by their previous owners. These garments carry their own histories onto the stage, serving as a poignant visual metaphor while requiring zero new textile production.
Rehearsal-to-Stage Wardrobe: In a bold move toward the "Refuse" strategy, apart from the raincoats, no new costumes were purchased for the 13 actors on stage. The cast performs in the clothes they wore during the rehearsal process, blurring the line between preparation and performance.
The Raw Stage: Moving away from traditional modular constructions, the production features a fully open stage. Nothing was used to cover the backstage walls, exposing the "bones" of the theatre and eliminating the need for single-use flats or backdrops.
The Text as Scenography: Rūdolfs Blaumanis’s century-old text serves as an additional scenographic element. Displayed on a moving LED screen, the text sparks the viewers' imaginations, allowing the audience to visualize the rich descriptive remarks within the intentionally empty, zero-waste stage.

Why It Matters for the Industry

"In Fire" demonstrates that international collaboration and the right digital tools can accelerate cultural sustainability. By documenting the material flows of this production, the National Theatre of Latvia is contributing to the growing database of Best Practice Examples available on this platform.

This production proves that when we stop hiding the mechanics of the theatre, we find a raw, honest beauty that resonates with modern environmental values.

Join the Movement

The tools used by the National Theatre of Latvia are open-source and available to all on this website.