The Schemer

Director Kārlis Krūmiņš and the actors of Valmiera Theatre will shape “Laipotāji” in the style of dell’arte comedy, as a story about people who want to get ahead in life despite the difficulties and without regard for the means required—including lying and killing, literally and figuratively. The production is based on William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello,” in which almost everything can be interpreted and schemed around: power and the individual, social standing and the status of an outsider, wisdom and cunning, love and passion. It also asks whether tragedy comes into sharper focus when viewed from the comic side. The production premiered on 7 August at the Valmiera Summer Theatre Festival and has been part of Valmiera Theatre’s repertoire since 21 August.