Theatre

Dailes Theatre is the largest professional theatre in the Baltic States, with a history and traditions stretching back over a century.

The artistic vision and drive of the theatre were created by its founder, the legendary director Eduards Smiļģis whose dynamic style shaped the theatre for more than 40 years. His aesthetic was based on what was, for his time, a bold and radical style of visual expression. Today that tradition continues, with new innovations and aesthetic challenges driving the artistic direction of the theatre.

Every season, an audience of 200,000 watches a variety of productions staged in the Main Hall or the Black Box - soon to be joined by the New Hall. Existing performances are complemented by around 8 new performances every year. Productions showcase stage design, props, and costumes that have been custom-made in our own on-site workshops.

In spring 2020, a new, ambitious management team started work in the theatre, with Viesturs Kairišs in the position of Artistic Director. Considered one of the most prominent contemporary directors of Latvian theatre and cinema, he also has extensive international experience. The General Manager (Exec Director) of the theatre, Juris Žagars is an experienced producer of artistic projects such as the Cesis Arts Festival, one of the oldest contemporary art festivals in Latvia, as well as being one of the leading actors of Dailes Theatre, until his appointment in 2020.

Our team’s vision is to be a truly European theatre, open to all audiences and expansive in its reach. Daile is more than just a theatre: it encompasses a rich and legendary cultural history, an iconic building, and one of the largest theatre stages in Eastern Europe, which will be joined very soon by the modern new hall.

Viesturs Kairišs

We want our audiences to experience challenging, entertaining, moving, and inspiring theatre. We champion new works from writers all over the world, as well as breathe new life into the classics; we bring critically acclaimed hits from other countries as well as the best from our own Latvian writers.