On Tuesday, January 20, at 5:30 PM, a poetry, music, and conversation event “From Barricades to Barricades” will take place in the Green Room of the “Latvija” concert hall, inviting us to think not only about the barricades of January 1991 as a historical event, but also about freedom as a personal and social choice today.
The event, initiated by the Music Library, is intended as a lively space for reflection, not an evening of remembrance. The experience of the 1991 barricades is seen as a moment of courage and decision, which prompts us to ask the question: what are our barricades today? Are they visible in the public space, or are they within ourselves – in fear, fatigue, indifference, unwillingness to stand up for our beliefs?
Members of the Ventspils Disabled Persons Association's literary club "Dzirkstele" will present a performance of the poetry of Valdis Atāls and Valdis Artavas. Both poets are voices of the Renaissance, whose poetry, speaking of freedom, responsibility, and inner stance, sounds surprisingly relevant even in today's world.
The second part of the event will feature a discussion “Barricades Today – Outside or Within Us?” featuring people of different generations and experiences: Jēkabs Macpans, Inga Ieviņa, and Aleksejs Masaitis. The discussion will be moderated by Inga Aulmane.
The purpose of the conversation is to encourage us to think about freedom as an inner state and an active choice, not just a historical fact. What would we be willing to stand up for today? Is freedom possible without barricades today as well?
The event invites listeners not to remember, but to think, compare, and ask questions – about themselves, society, and the price of freedom today.
Entrance is free.
