Two Cultures, One Rhythm, One Community. Intercultural Music Project “Spirits of (un)rest: Two Suns” Emerges in Liepāja

We are excited to share that the cultural tourism project “Musical Performance: Spirits of (Un)Peace: Two Suns”, created by the cultural development association “Tapala lapa,” has received support through the “Liepāja 2027 – European Capital of Culture” programme. The project is being developed in collaboration with the Kira Taiko Drum Studio and will premiere in the Liepāja Museum garden in spring 2027.

At the heart of the performance is the idea that two seemingly distant cultures share striking similarities. Historically, both the Latvian “ķekatas” (Latvian mumming rituals) tradition and Japanese oni rituals have served as rites of community bonding, purification, and transition.Through this project, our collective seeks to explore these connections and create a contemporary artistic experience in which cultural traditions come alive and resonate with today’s society.

The idea was conceived by Gabriel Akira Washimi, an artist of Japanese origin who has been living in Latvia for a couple of years. In addition, Akira is a Japanese taiko drum instructor with 13 years of experience. The friendship between “Tapala lapas” and the Kira Taiko drum community began with last year’s project “(ne)miers Namdaros or Don’t Hide Your Light Under a Bushel”.

“Living in Latvia, I notice every day how much Latvian and Japanese cultures have in common – in their connection to nature, rituals, masks, and the way people come together as communities. We wanted to create something interactive, where the audience is not just watching but becomes part of the performance. During conversations with Ēriks Vilsons and Ivonda Vilsone from “Tapala lapas”, the idea of two suns meeting also emerged. We were especially intrigued by the fact that Ēriks Vilsons was born very close to Japan. That’s why this collaboration felt so natural,” says Akira.

Work on developing the performance is currently in full swing. The “Tapala lapas” team meets regularly with musician Ieva Tālberga and the Kira Taiko drum studio team, not only to learn about the traditions of both nations but also to explore ways of bringing them to life through sound, movement, and shared experiences. Sketches are being developed, while masks and costumes are already taking shape.

The creative process is highly dynamic. Alongside ongoing work with the community, the script, directorial concept, and dramaturgical framework are gradually taking shape, laying the foundation for a cycle of four performances to be staged in the garden of the Liepāja Museum in 2027.

Across the four performances, the Latvian “ķekatas” (Latvian mumming rituals) and Japanese onidaiko traditions will be brought together in a contemporary artistic form. The project will also feature augmented reality filters titled “Masks of Peace and Unrest”, allowing users to virtually try on “ķekatas” and oni masks and explore their symbolism long after the performances have concluded.

During rehearsals, it is not unusual to see the traditions come to life among the participants themselves. Work meetings often turn into playful exchanges, laughter fills the air, spontaneous dances emerge, and a strong sense of togetherness develops. “Dance, movement, and the rhythms of music become a shared language through which we understand one another. This authentic experience is one of the project’s greatest strengths,” says Ivonda Vilsone, a representative of “Tapala lapas.”

The project aims to foster intercultural dialogue, strengthen community participation in cultural life, and create a space where the meeting of different traditions helps us better understand both one another and ourselves.

The event is organized by the association “Tapala lapas” with financial support from the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027.” The programme of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” is implemented by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, with funding allocated by the City of Liepāja, the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, and the Ministry of Culture. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, Jsc; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, legal partner: Sorainen Law Office, Ltd., Jsc; and its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd. Media partners: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd. and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc

Photo: Kristers Reinis

Information prepared by:

Liena Rimkus
Representative of the Culture Development Association “Tapala lapa”
Phone: +371 28 629 283
E-mail: tapalalapa.biedriba@gmail.com