'This is a very red signal.' Actor Avots on politicians' interference in art and 'Order No. 2'

The Dailes Theatre's production "Order No. 2," which revisits the tumultuous events of 2011 when then-President Valdis Zatlers first exercised his constitutional power to propose the dissolution of Latvia's parliament, has become a focal point for political attention during the pre-election period. The play's depiction of this significant moment in Latvian history has drawn the scrutiny of various political factions.

Kārlis Arnolds Avots, an actor with the Dailes Theatre who is also building an international career, expressed strong reservations about the political interference in artistic endeavors. He described the desire of politicians to "go after artists" and meddle in their work as a "very red signal." This sentiment highlights a concern about the potential for political agendas to stifle creative expression and artistic freedom.

However, Avots also conveyed a sense of triumph for the theater in this instance. Despite the political attention and potential for controversy, the Dailes Theatre is seen as having navigated the situation successfully. The play's engagement with a sensitive historical event, and the subsequent political reactions, have ultimately underscored the theater's resilience and its role in prompting public discourse.

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Politicians' desire to 'go after artists' and interfere in art is a very red signal.