Riga, Latvia – The Daile Theater is set to captivate audiences with its innovative adaptation of Olga Tokarczuk’s novel, “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” under the direction of Ola Mafalani. The show’s dramaturgy is a collaborative effort between Mafalani, playwright Matisse Gricman, and actress Chulpan Hamatova, bringing Tokarczuk’s thought-provoking narrative to life on stage. The Latvian translation by Ingmara Balode forms the basis of the dramaturgical material.

Ola Mafalani: A Director of Rich Inventiveness and Innovative Vision

Ola Mafalani, a director of Dutch Theater and opera with Syrian roots, is known for her imaginative and groundbreaking approach to theater. Frequently enough referred to as the “fantasy queen,” Mafalani’s creative vision promises a unique and compelling interpretation of Tokarczuk’s work. Her involvement with “Female Economy,” an Amsterdam-based creative agency focused on film, theater, and performance development, further underscores her commitment to innovative storytelling.

Beyond directing, Mafalani also works as a curator and advisor, dedicating herself to coaching, mentoring, and supporting women across various industries. This commitment reflects a broader trend in the arts, mirroring initiatives like the Women in Film and Television (WIFT) organizations in the U.S., which advocate for gender equality and provide resources for women in the entertainment industry.

A Storied Career: From Groningen to the World Stage

Mafalani’s tenure as the Director General of the Noord Nederlands Toneel (NNT) in Groningen from 2009 to 2016 was highly regarded by both audiences and industry professionals. This period solidified her reputation as a visionary leader capable of producing compelling and thought-provoking theater. Her work echoes the impact of American regional theaters like the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, known for its bold and innovative productions that often tackle complex social issues.

Key Productions Showcasing Mafalani’s Range

Mafalani’s portfolio includes a diverse range of productions, highlighting her versatility and artistic vision. Some of her most notable works include:

• Kurt Weill’s “seven Sins of Death” (Dutch national Opera and Ballet, 2021)
• The nine-hour show “Government” (NNT, 2016), staged by Danish playwright Adam Price
• Paul Coelho’s “Eleven Minutes” (NNT, 2010)
• Schauspiel Cologne (2002)

These productions demonstrate Mafalani’s ability to tackle both classic and contemporary works with a unique and imaginative perspective. The scope and ambition of projects like “Government,” a nine-hour theatrical experience, highlights a commitment to immersive and challenging storytelling that resonates with contemporary audiences, perhaps similarly to long-form theatrical events such as Tony Kushner’s “Angels in America.”

“Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead”: A Deeper Dive into Tokarczuk’s Novel

Drive your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead” is a crime novel,but also a philosophical exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature,justice,and morality. Set in a remote Polish village, the story follows Janina Duszejko, an elderly woman and astrology enthusiast, as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths. The novel blends elements of mystery, dark humor, and social commentary to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. Tokarczuk’s work often challenges conventional perspectives and encourages readers to question established norms,aligning with trends in contemporary literature that seek to address social injustices and environmental concerns.

The novel’s themes resonate deeply with contemporary American society, where issues of environmentalism, animal rights, and social justice are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse. The character of Janina Duszejko, with her unconventional beliefs and unwavering commitment to justice, may strike a chord with American audiences familiar with strong, autonomous female protagonists in literature and film.

Theatrical Adaptation: challenges and Opportunities

Adapting a complex novel like “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead” for the stage presents both challenges and opportunities. The theatrical format requires a careful selection and distillation of the novel’s key themes and plot points, while also leveraging the unique capabilities of the medium to create a visually and emotionally engaging experience.Mafalani’s experience with large-scale productions and her imaginative directorial style position her well to navigate these challenges and create a truly memorable theatrical event.

The Daile Theater: A Cultural Hub in Riga

The Daile Theater, as the venue for this production, plays a notable role in Riga’s cultural landscape. As a prominent theater, it serves as a platform for innovative and thought-provoking performances, attracting both local audiences and international visitors. The theater’s commitment to supporting artists like Ola Mafalani contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of the city’s cultural scene. Just as the American theater scene relies on regional and local theaters to foster new talent and produce challenging work,the Daile Theater embodies the importance of cultural institutions in promoting artistic expression and community engagement.