Reviews
Overview
The film documents rehearsals for director Vara Brasla's play "I Am Not a Pianist" at the Valmiera Drama Theater. Brasla has decided that this will be his last play. The story was written by Brasla's long-time friend, playwright Alvis Lapiņš, and tells the story of composer Emīls Dārziņš' life, plagiarism scandal, personal vicissitudes, and musical events. Rehearsals are underway, and Brasla, together with actors Mārtiņš Meiers (Emīls Dārziņš), Diāna Kristu Stafecka, Ieva Puķe, Krišjānis Salmiņš, Tālivaldis Lasmanis, and others, are carefully exploring the essence of their roles. All this takes place in the midst of the destroyed Valmiera Drama Theater, where reconstruction is underway. The Covid-19 pandemic adds unexpected twists to the story. The rehearsal process is interspersed with conversations between Brasla and Lapiņš at the home of Vara and his wife, actress Vizma Kalme, until the premiere takes place.
