A series: Environmentally friendly creative practice in the performing arts

In collaboration with the Latvian National Theatre, the European Climate Pact is continuing the work begun last year to implement sustainable practices within the performing arts sector. 

A series of events held in September and October 2025 featured three creative workshops where students, professionals, and organizational representatives from the performing arts sector - guided by experts - gained knowledge about circular economy principles and their application in creative work. This collaboration fostered the creation of an informal network of industry representatives united by an interest in eco-theatre and the integration of environmentally friendly practices into the creative process, with the aim of developing unified sustainability guidelines for the future. 

This year, the event series " Environmentally friendly creative practice in the performing arts" will take place on October 5, 6, 7, and 8, from 12:30 to 15:30, in close cooperation with the Latvian Academy of Culture. 

The event series will open with a presentation by visual playwright Reinis Dzudzilo, who will reflect on his practice, focusing specifically on the zero-waste production “Ugunī” (In the Fire), staged at the Latvian National Theatre during the previous season. 

The theoretical workshop will be led by Kitija Balcare (PhD, researcher at the UL Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, and European Climate Pact Ambassador), offering insights into the origins and branches of eco-theatre, as well as various artistic strategies and approaches to creating eco-scenography. 

The practical session will be led by visual artist Pamela Butāne; together with the participants, she will explore how limited resources spark creativity, how existing materials can be given new life in a different context, and how nature can serve as a source of inspiration. The reflection session and summary of the knowledge gained will be led by Maija Pavlova (producer at Ģertrūdes ielas theatre), who - alongside colleagues from the Greenstage project - will help participants integrate sustainability practices into their daily creative work. All workshops will take place at the Latvian Academy of Culture, Miera Street 58A. 

The event series is open to anyone interested, free of charge. Participants are invited to register by emailing European Climate Pact Ambassador Rihards Gāle. The event is organized by the European Climate Pact in cooperation with the Latvian National Theatre and the Latvian Academy of Culture.