Princess Olympics: A Bold New Children’s Play at the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre

Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre is set to premiere a brand-new children and family production titled “Princess Olympic Games” on September 1 in its Small Hall, bringing a whimsical blend of sports and imagination to the stage. Based on the stories of Estonian writer and illustrator Piret Rauda, the production is designed for young audiences aged five and older, inviting children and parents alike into a theatrical space where traditional athletic disciplines collide with pure fantasy, courage, and unconventional worldviews.

The dramaturgical foundation of the stage adaptation stems from Rauda’s book “The Princess by Mail,” published in Latvian under the title “Princese pa pastu” through a translation by Maima Grīnbergas. Noted Latvian playwright Artūrs Dīcis shaped the stage dramatization. According to theatre representatives, the underlying book has earned widespread readership for its unusual, witty, and heartfelt tales, where princesses decidedly defy standard fairy-tale tropes. These characters are brave, unpredictable, occasionally eccentric, yet unfailingly genuine personalities designed to help children view the world through an imaginative and liberated lens.

Unlike standard athletic contests, the fictional Princess Olympic Games featured in the play require far more than raw physical strength or basic agility. The competition hinges on resourcefulness, luck, the capacity to surprise judges and rivals, and a readiness to embrace the unknown. Theatre organizers note that, unlike traditional athletic events, the coaches of these royal competitors do not know in advance what trials await the participants or which rules will govern each round. That structural unpredictability transforms every heat into an engaging adventure for both the characters on stage and the families watching from the audience.

Literary Roots and Creative Team Behind the Production

Piret Rauda stands as one of the most prominent contemporary voices in Estonian children’s literature, with her works translated into more than 20 languages alongside a collection of international awards garnered both as an author and an illustrator. Theatre creators highlight that Rauda’s stories stand out for their original humor, subtle empathy, and unique ability to converse with young readers as true equals rather than talking down to them.

The staging brings together a seasoned creative team under the direction of Edgars Kaufelds. The visual and physical reality of the performance is shaped by set and costume designer Marta Madara Grantiņa, composer Raimonds Petrauskis, lighting designer Laila Birģele, and translator Lina Ovčiņņikova. Production management is handled by Dana Muhametzjanova.

Cast and Performance Details

The ensemble cast features actors from the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre troupe, including Jūlija Berngardte, Adriana Tatjana Začeste alternating with Anastasija Ļovina, and Mihails Širjajevs alternating with Ņikita Osipovs. The primary performances of “Princess Olympic Games” will be conducted in Russian, while the theatre will also provide supplementary content accessibility in Latvian for broader community engagement.