SLS literary section.

Writers’ Days

Spodris Klauverts (1920–1980) – playwright, community activist, active promoter of Latvian cultural life in Australia – established the Literary Section of the Sydney Latvian Theatre (SLT). The section started its activities on 22 April 1950, when the first evening of lectures was held in the hall belonging to the German congregation in the centre of Sydney. Alfreds Silkens read a paper on Karlis Skalbe, Olga Pijole sang songs with texts by Skalbe, and pianist Mirdza Sture accompanied on the piano. Skalbe’s poems were recited by SLT actors Lita Zemgale and Arvids Knope. Literary evenings were held every month. SLT actors read the works or excerpts of the works to be discussed. Spodris Klauverts was the host of the first literary evenings until his death in 1980. This task was continued by Elga Leja (Elga Rodze-Kisele) and Inda Rolava until 1992, when the Literary Section ceased to exist. A total of 411 literary evenings were held. The range of topics covered was wide, and the literary evenings were enriched by plays, recitations, musical performances, screenings of films and slides, and discussions on issues of public interest. Themed literary evenings were dedicated to the centenaries of Latvian writers and poets such as Janis Rainis, Janis Poruks, Karlis Skalbe, Janis Jaunsudrabins, Janis Akuraters, Fricis Barda, other nationality authors, as well as to current events in literature. The literary evenings were also attended by writers and guests from other Australian cities, as well as guests from other countries with exiled Latvians.

Describing the activities of the SLT Literary Section, Spodris Klauverts writes: “Under the influence of this small group, four major cultural events were created, which are now the backbone of Latvian cultural life in Australia: The Sydney Latvian Theatre (founded in 1951), and this inspired the annual theatre festivals (the first held in Sydney in 1961); the Australian Latvian Culture Days in 1951, initiated and carried out by the SLT Literary Section; the first Australian Writers’ Days in 1960, initiated and carried out by the SLT Literary Section to commemorate 10 years of the Section’s work; and regular exhibitions of paintings at the Sydney Latvian House.”

In addition to literary events, at the suggestion artist and theatre decorator Uldis Abolins, in 1953 the so-called one-evening picture shows began to be organised. From 1963, larger exhibitions were held in the foyer of the Latvian House for 3-4 weeks. From 1975, art exhibitions were organised by the newly established Australian Latvian Artists’ Association (ALMA). TThe participants included painters, sculptors and decorators such as Reinis Zusters, Uldis Abolins, Herberts Sils, Martins Gauja, Karlis Veinbergs, Dzems Krivs, Vija Spoge-Erdmane, Gunars Krumins, Janis Svilans, Imants Tillers and others. Also exhibitions of photographs by Vilis Motmillers. The writers’ events held within the framework of Australian Latvian Culture Days (ALKD), played an important role in the maintenance and development of the Latvian language and literature in exile. The venue was the city where the ALKD were held. The first Writers’ Days during the ALKD were held in Sydney on 29 December 1951. Hugo Kaupmanis and Arturs Plaudis gave a reading about the writers Karlis Abele, Teodors Tomsons and Mintauts Eglitis. Pauls Jurevics read a paper “Latvians in a foreign cultural environment”, authors and SLT actors presented works by Karlis Abele, Mintauts Eglitis and Teodors Tomsons.

Since 1951, ALKD has been held annually around Christmas time in one of Australia’s major Latvian centres – Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane -, since 1964 also in Perth, and since 1966 in New Zealand. The Australian Latvian Writers’ event was originally one of the events of the ALKD. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the literary section of the SLT, the first independent Writers’ days were held in 1960 on 10-12 June at the Sydney Latvian House. Mintauts Eglitis was the chairman. The premiere of Martins Ziverts’ play “Fiasco” took place at the Writers’ Days, four exhibitions were held: books published by Australian Latvian authors, the Decorated book, pictures from the 10th anniversary of the SLT section and a show of works by the painters’ group “Jaunā palete” (The New Palette).

Following Australian Latvian Writers’ Days (AL RD) took place in Sydney: AL 1. RD, AL 5. RD, AL 8. RD, AL 11. RD, AL 14. RD, AL 17. RD, AL 20. RD, AL 23. RD, AL 26. RD, AL 29. RD.

The 5th Australian Latvian Writers’ Days (1964) were chaired by Mintauts Eglītis. They were introduced by Hugo Kaupmanis’ talk on Janis Sarma and readings of Janis Sarma’s works. R. During the Writers’ Days, there was a morning of presentations, a lyric evening in “The Small Hell’s Kitchen”, dedicated to the memory of Linards Tauns, an afternoon of prose by Arija Balode, Zigurds Barda, Mintauts Eglitis, Osvalds Lacis, Erna Lemane, Aina Neboisa (Aina Vavere) and others. The SLT performed the one-act plays awarded by the Latvian Cultural Foundation in Australia: “Janis Lukstins “The Journey”, Aina Neboisa’s short play “Uranus”, Spodris Klauverts’ “Etude”. During the Writers’ Days, an exhibition of illustrations by Herberts Sils was on display, and a collection of short stories “Them and Them”by Osvalds Lacis was opened. The “Ink Tavern” was operational, and the “Press Ball” took place.

During the 17th Australian Latvian Writers’ Days (1977) for the first time the SLT performed Janis Poruks’ historical drama “Hernhūtieši” (The Moravian Brothers), Velta Saulite’s poetry collection “Zive’s alarm” was presented and the Writers’ Days newspaper “Jaunākās Ziņas” (The Latest News) was published.

The 20th Australian Latvian Writers’ Days (1980) were hosted by Aleksandrs Zarins, the play “Between Midnight and Morning” by Juris Kradzins was staged by SLT, an exhibition of Sydney graphic artists was on display, and Elga Leja’s collection of poems “The boat of longing” was launched.

The 23rd Australian Latvian Writers’ Days (1983) were hosted by Elga Rodze-Kisele, the opening was enriched by the youth vocal ensemble “Laikmets” led by Imants Licis, an exhibition of prints by Martins Gauja was held, as well as the opening of Ella Kreismane’s book of stories “Me and my rowan tree”.

The 26th Australian Latvian Writers’ Days in Sydney (1986) included a poetry performance “Words about Words”, in which poems by Janis Peters and Vizma Belsevica were read, and a sketch by Elga Leja “Excited about Writers’ Days”, an exhibition of paintings by Dzems Krivs, the launch of a collection of stories and novellas by Osvalds Lacis “Oh, World!” and Arnis Skujins’ novel “The Strange Man”.

The 29th Australian Latvian Writers’ Days in Sydney (1989) were chaired by Ausma Medne and attended by the Latvian poet and playwright Mara Zalite. The local adaptation of the rock opera “The Bear Slayer” was performed. One of the sessions was dedicated to the work of Mara Zalite. The poet gave a lecture on Latvian folklore and her poetry was read.

SLB Literārās sekcijas dokumenti

The evening of lyrics and prose of the Australian Latvian 8th Writers’ Days on 30 September 1967 was opened with a poem by Velta Toma dedicated especially to the Writers’ Days, read by SLT actress Mirdza Ansule. The programme of the evening included readings of works or excerpts by Karlis Abele, Mintauts Eglitis, Erna Kikure, Erna Lemane, Edmunds Silkalns, Olgerts Rozitis, Raitis Birkmanis, Karmena Kurzemniece, Osvalds Lacis, Mara Kalmane, Juris Kradzins, Elga Leja, Baiba Metuzale, Janis Svilans and Janis Sarma.

Australian Latvian 8th Writers’ Days, An evening of lyrics and prose, 30 September 1967. Photographer V. Motmillers. LNA

During the 11th Australian Latvian Writers’ Days (1970) a dramatisation of Anslavs Eglitis’ novel “Homo novus” was performed, an exhibition of Martins Gauja’s prints, a Latvian stamp show took place, as well as a showcase of the 20 years of the SLT Literary Section with a Press Ball at the end.

Australian Latvian 11th Writers’ Days – literary afternoon, Martins’ Gauja’s graphics exhibition. 3 – 5 October 1970. Photographer V. Motmillers. LNA

The 14th Writers’ Days took place from November 29 to December 1, 1974, just before the 24th Cultural Days (KD). The 14th Writers’ Days in December 1974 were opened by the “Kaleidoscope” performance, preceded by the opening of Gunars’ Krumins’ watercolour exhibition. An exhibition of Vilis’ Motmillers’ photographs was also on display. During the Writers’ Days, the book opening of Eduards’ Silkalns’ novel “In the morning” (No rīta) took place, or as this event is fondly referred to in Australian Latvian society, the book’ s christening took place. Among the authors was Canadian Latvian poet Aina Zemdega. PA Press Ball was also held during the event. During the afternoon of lyrics and prose, 17 authors’ works, or their fragments were read by both authors and SLT actors. The afternoon was led by community activist, playwright Spodris Klauverts. The 14th Writers’ Days was opened by Olgerts Rozitis (1912–1984), Latvian diplomat and writer, who in December 1951 was appointed head of the Chancellery at the Latvian Honourary Consulate in Sydney (with seat in Melbourne), worked at the Latvian Honourary Consulate in Melbourne (1958–1984). In his speech, he said: “Be quiet, be quiet and listen, because Latvia speaks here. Be quiet, hear the whispers of Latvia. It is not easy, because our ears are closed: tiny gnats and flies are screaming and saying: Latvia will not exist. We say: Latvia was and will be. Latvia is everywhere where Latvian is spoken. Latvians overcame Peter the Great, Catherine and Stalin. Latvia will be there if we want it.“

Australian Latvian 14th Writers’ Days, 30 November – 1 December 1967. Sidney. Photographer V. Motmillers. LNA

The publisher, writer and public figure Mintauts Eglitis (18.05.1911-02.10.1990) was an important figure in the cultural life of Latvian exiles. His first literary works were published in Latvia and in the DP camps in Germany. He founded the publishing house “Tervete” in the Latvian refugee camp in Oldenburg in 1945, and this the first to publish Janis Veselis’ “Latvian Tales” in 150 copies and Andrejs Eglitis’ “God, Your Land is Burning!” in 100 copies in 1946.Together with Janis Veselis, Mintauts Eglītis founded the literary monthly “Varaviksna” (Rainbow) (1945-1946) in the Oldenburg camp and took care of its technical management. Eglītis wrote a book of short fiction “Acquaintances” (1943), a collection of short stories “The Chapel of Mr Celms” (1946), a collection of short stories “The Paenerzis Castle ” (1947), a collection of short stories “Post Stories” (1947), a collection of short fiction “Games” (1967) and a book “There is no joy in the world” (1990). In 1955 Mintauts Eglītis founded the publishing house “Sala” (Island), which published about 30 books by Australian Latvian authors and 32 plays by Martins Ziverts. From 1962 Eglitis was a member of the editorial board of the Latvian Press Association of Australia.

Mintauts Eglitis in the publishing house “Sala”. Photographer V. Motmillers. LNA

Issue 42 of the “New Paths” magazine, 1963, published in Australia. Cover by Herberts Silis The magazine “New Paths ” was launched in 1955. Its authors, publishers and literary policy-makers, known as Jaungaitnieki (New Pathers), belonged to the first generation to grow up in exile. The New Paths Centre was located in central United States, but authors from Canada, Sweden and Australia played a relatively active role in its development.

Mintauta Eglīša apgāda “Sala” izdotās grāmatas

Sidnejas literāti

At a literary evening at Sydney Latvian House. From left: Spodris Klauverts, Arvids Dūte, Arturs Plaudis. LNA

First row from left: SLT (Sydney Latvian Theatre) actress Valda Lice, author Lucija Felsberga Berzina, poet, journalist, politician, community activist Elga Rodze-Kisele, SLT actress Zeltite Nice. Second row from left: community activist Arvids Berzins, SLT director and actor Karlis Gulbergs. Sydney Latvian House. LNA

Author and philologist Lucija Berzina-Felsberga. LNA

Publisher Mintauts Eglitis and community activist Mirdza Muizniece. LNA

Community activist Alfreds Silkens. Sydney Latvian House. LNA

Community activist Alfreds Silkens and Vaira Dortina (?) Sydney Latvian House. LNA

Author, philospher, social activist Ausma Medne and SLT actor and literary group. First row from left: Karlis Gulbergs, Vaira Dortina, Ausma Medne, E. Polikevica, SLT actris Lija Veikina. Second row from left: Stubis (?), I. Štube, SLT actor Janis Kaukis, Vita Kristovska, SLT actor Janis Cecins. LNA

From left: journalist, editor, social activist Aleksandrs Zarins and publisher Mintauts Eglitis. LNA

At a literary evening in the Sydney Latvian House. Elga Rodze-Kisele (literary pseudonym Elga Leja) un artist Lidija Medne. LNA

Author Osvaldcs Lacis 1970s-1980s. LNA

Author Spodris Klauverts, long-standing chair of the SLT Literary Section. LNA

Ausma Medne speaks at a literary evening in the Sydney Latvian House. LNA

A literary event at the Sydney Latvian House. First row from left: Elga Rodze-Kisele, Inda Prelvica, author Lucija Berzina-Felsberga, Hilda Dukure. Second row from left: community activist Alfreds Silkens, Elvira Klauverte, Vaira Dortina, Karlis Gulbergs. LNA

Sarīkojums Sidnejas Latviešu namā. No kreisās: rakstnieks, publicists Aivars Ruņģis, sabiedriskā darbiniece Mirdza Muižniece, neatpazīta, pianiste Mirdza Stūre, rakstnieks, sabiedriskais darbinieks Juris Krādziņš, Lauma Krādziņa. LNA

From left: author Laima Kalnina un Ausma Medne. Sydney. 1980s. LNA

At a literary evening in the Sydney Latvian House. From left: Elga Rodze-Kisele, SLT actresses Hilda Dukure, Vaira Dortina, author Spodris Klauverts, SLT actresses Lija Gailite, Zeltite Nice. LNA

Sydney Latvian House, the Martins’ Silins’ hall. From left Elga Rodze-Kisele (literary pseudonym Elga Leja). LNA

At a literary evening at the Sydney Latvian House. From left: Hilda Dukure, Juris Kradzins, Zeltite Nice, Elga Rodze-Kisele. LNA

First row form left: Elga Rodze-Kisele, Lija Veikina, Ausma Medne. Second row from left: O. Dombrovskis, Karlis Gulbergs, guest from New Castle, A. Skujins, Karlis Abeltins, unknown. LNA

Spodris’ Klauverts’ wife Elvira Klauverte. Sydney, 1980. LNA

From left: theatre critic Nina Luce, SLT director and actor Karlis Gulbergs, photographer Vilis Motmillers. Sydney. LNA

Theatre critic Nina Luce and poet Olafs Stumbrs. Sydney, 1986. LNA

Publisher Mintauts Eglitis and artist, SLT decorator Herberts Sils. Sydney, 1950s/ 1960s. LNA