Musical Performance “Spirits of (un)rest: Two Suns”

“Spirits of (un)rest: Two Suns” is a cycle of four solstice performances in the courtyard of the Liepāja Museum, where Latvian ķekatas (mummers masking) traditions meet Japanese onidaiko in a contemporary form. Through masks, rhythm and ritual symbolism, the performances explore parallels and contrasts between the two cultures – rest and unrest, light and darkness, transition and renewal.

At the centre is the meeting of two “suns”, expressed through Latvian and Japanese imagery. Each performance follows a ritual structure, with ten performers embodying spiritual figures from both traditions. Audience involvement is a key part of the experience.

The project sustainability is based on an augmented‑reality approach: the “Masks of Rest–Unrest” filters, which allow users to try on Japanese oni and Latvian ķekatu (mummers) masks on social media and learn about their symbolism.

Organised by the “Tapala lapa” Association