Timeless Affair: “Next Year at the Same Time” Returns to the Stage, Exploring Love Amidst Societal Shifts
Table of Contents
- 1. Timeless Affair: “Next Year at the Same Time” Returns to the Stage, Exploring Love Amidst Societal Shifts
- 2. A Love Story Enduring Through Decades of change
- 3. Echoes of the Past, Reflections on the Present
- 4. The Enduring Relevance of Forbidden Love
- 5. Production Details and U.S. Implications
- 6. How does the play’s exploration of infidelity challenge audiences’ perceptions of love and commitment considering evolving societal norms?
- 7. An Interview wiht Director Herbert Laukštein on “Next Year at the Same Time”
- 8. The Director’s Perspective
- 9. forbidden Love and Enduring Themes
- 10. production and Relevance
- 11. Audience Engagement
The Daugavpils Theater is set to premiere a new production of Bernard Slade’s romantic comedy, “Next Year at the Same Time,” directed by Herbert Laukštein on April 4. This marks Laukštein’s debut at the Daugavpils Theater, revisiting a play he previously staged in 1991 amidst the fall of the Soviet Union.
A Love Story Enduring Through Decades of change
“Next Year at the Same Time” tells the story of Doris and George, two individuals who, despite being married to others, find an undeniable connection and agree to meet annually at the same location. The play explores their evolving relationship against the backdrop of significant historical events and cultural shifts. The premise rests on the foundation of forbidden love and how the characters maintain their relationship while understanding the implications of their actions.
The play delves into the complexities of love, commitment, and the passage of time, resonating with audiences across generations. Think of movies like “Same Time, Next Year” (the 1978 film adaptation of the play) or even more recent fare like “The Notebook,” which explore similar themes of enduring love. But “Next Year simultaneously occurring” adds a layer of complexity by positioning the central relationship against a dynamic historical backdrop.
| Playwright | Premiered | Awards & Nominations |
|---|---|---|
| Bernard Slade | Brooke Atkinson Theater | Drama Desk Awards (Winner), Tony Award (nominated) |
Echoes of the Past, Reflections on the Present
The director, Herbert Laukštein, has staged this play for the second time. He said that both times have encouraged this material to reflect on values that remain unchanged even in the worst times. “The show takes place in California and covers the period from 1951 to 1975. At that time, various changes and shocks were experienced – the fight between two superpowers in Korea continued, the Cold War began, the Vietnam War, the student unrest, the sexual revolution, the rock and drug boom.”
Laukštein first staged the play in 1991, a year marked by the collapse of the USSR and the demolition of the Berlin Wall.The director draws a parallel between those transformative times and the present day. He has stated that we live in a rapid change in time, in ignorance of tomorrow, in a lability, which clearly has an impact on people. But there is somthing completely unchanged at all times, the desire for two genders to each other. Love is the one that remains and helps with the biggest storms.”
This sentiment speaks to a worldwide human experience: the search for connection and stability amidst chaos. Even with technological advancements and globalization, the core desires remain, aligning with sociologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz’s research on enduring love, which emphasizes the importance of shared values and intimate connection.
The Enduring Relevance of Forbidden Love
While the play explores the complexities of love,it also raises ethical questions about infidelity. Some critics might argue that romanticizing extramarital affairs normalizes infidelity and undermines the sanctity of marriage. Though, proponents of the play might counter that it’s not necessarily endorsing infidelity but rather exploring the complexities of human relationships and the powerful forces of attraction. Further, the play illustrates the impact of decisions while in a marriage, as illustrated by Judge Lynn Toler in her commentary on family law matters.
The drama highlights the enduring challenge of balancing individual desires with societal expectations and the potential consequences of choices made in the name of love. The play encourages audiences to consider the emotional landscape of relationships, the allure of forbidden connections, and the enduring power of love to transcend conventional boundaries.
Production Details and U.S. Implications
The Daugavpils Theater production stars Alexander Komarov and Natalia Coton, with a creative team that includes Fieldstein, stage designer Ivars Noviks, costume artist Gatis Timofeyev, and light artist Sergei Vasilyev.The show will be performed in Russian with translation into Latvian.
Although this production is taking place in Latvia, the themes explored in “Next Year at the Same Time” resonate deeply with American audiences. The play’s exploration of love, societal change, and personal choices transcends geographical boundaries, making it a relevant and thought-provoking piece for theatergoers regardless of their location.The universal appeal of the story lies in its ability to tap into the fundamental human experiences of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a constantly evolving world.
How does the play’s exploration of infidelity challenge audiences’ perceptions of love and commitment considering evolving societal norms?
An Interview wiht Director Herbert Laukštein on “Next Year at the Same Time”
Archyde News recently had the privilege of speaking with Herbert Laukštein, director of the upcoming Daugavpils Theater production of Bernard Slade’s timeless play, “Next Year at the Same Time.” We discussed the play’s enduring appeal and its relevance to today’s audiences.
The Director’s Perspective
Archyde News: Mr. Laukštein, this is your second time directing “Next Year simultaneously occurring.” What draws you back to this particular play, and how has your perspective evolved since your first staging in 1991?
Herbert laukštein: The play offers a profound exploration of love and the human condition. In both stagings, I’ve been struck by how the core values that underpin the story—connection, commitment, and the pursuit of happiness—remain constant, even amidst significant societal changes. Directing it again allows me to examine those themes with the added perspective of time and life experience. The fact that the play covers the years from 1951 to 1975 offers a unique lens thru which to reflect on both the evolution and consistency of the human experience.
Archyde News: The play spans a considerable period, capturing significant historical moments. How does the production integrate those historical shifts, such as the Vietnam War and the sexual revolution, into the narrative?
Herbert Laukštein: The historical backdrop is essential. These events aren’t just setting; they are active participants in the characters’ journeys. The play subtly nods to these events – the changing social norms, the political tensions – all of which have a ripple effect on Doris and George’s personal lives as well. Those societal shifts shape their choices, their perspectives, and the challenges they navigate in maintaining their annual rendezvous.
forbidden Love and Enduring Themes
Archyde News: The play delves into the complexities of a relationship built outside the confines of conventional marriage. What do you hope audiences take away from this aspect of the story?
Herbert Laukštein: While “Next Year simultaneously occurring” certainly explores the complexities of infidelity, it does so to examine the human longing for connection, the nature of commitment, and the impact of choices.The play doesn’t necessarily endorse infidelity but rather challenges audiences to contemplate the gray areas of love, desire, and the choices people make. It demonstrates that even during chaotic times, the core desires remain, which is connection.
Archyde News: The play’s themes of love and societal change resonate universally. What do you think ensures the play’s lasting appeal across different cultures and generations?
Herbert laukštein: Ultimately, it’s a story about human experience. Love, loss, hope, and the search for meaning transcend geographical boundaries. So, while the specific historical context is unique, the emotional core of the play—the enduring power of love and connection—remains universally relatable. That is what has allowed the play to endure across the decades.
production and Relevance
Archyde News: How do you see this production resonating with American audiences,given the cultural nuances and historical contexts explored?
Herbert Laukštein: Even though the play is being produced in Latvia,the underlying themes of love,societal shifts,and personal choices are deeply relatable to American audiences. The emotional journey of the characters and the universal questions the play poses resonate strongly with people, no matter their background, making it a relevant and thought-provoking piece for all theatergoers.
Archyde News: Considering both movies and even recent fare like “The Notebook,” it seems love stories endure, but the “Next Time next year” adds complex components, how do you feel about society’s perception vs how the play presents it.
Herbert Laukštein: The heart of the play lies in the fact the characters have to deal with the same issues that we were, are and will be facing as human beings; the need to connect and share life with each other, and trying to find yourself.
Archyde News: This performance has an all new crew, cast and production. How did working with the new cast members Alexander Komarov and Natalia Coton affect the production for you?
Herbert Laukštein: Working with Alexander Komarov and Natalia Coton has been a great pleasure. They both bring a fresh perspective to the roles of doris and George.They bring life, energy, and emotional richness to their performances creating those unique moments for the audience.
Audience Engagement
Archyde News: What do you anticipate will be the most talked-about aspect of this production? And what do you hope the audience will discuss after seeing the play?
Herbert Laukštein: I think the audience will debate both the choices the characters make and the universal themes of love, fidelity, and the passage of time. I hope they will leave the theater pondering those complex questions, as ther are no easy answers. Have the human relationships changed? Are they still worth fighting for? That would be the true success of the production.
What are your thoughts on the play’s portrayal of love and societal expectations? share your comments below!
