With the Support of Signet Bank, an Open-Air Opera for Families, “Ticks,” Will Be Shown, Highlighting Personal Health and Safety

To mark the beginning of summer and the school holidays, the insect opera “Ērces” or “Ticks” by the theater troupe KVADRIFRONS will premiere on June 7, 8, and 9 at the Riga National Zoo.

This truly is a production suitable for audiences of all ages, touching on a variety of themes, from ecology and health to societal integration. The performance itself spans a mix of genres—somewhere between a Shakespearean tragedy, a Disney-style cartoon, a historical epic, a romantic drama, and a Mexican soap opera. And all of this revolves around insects, mollusks, and spiders. I really think it’s going to be fantastic,

shares Klāvs Mellis, the librettist of the production.

This expansive and musical open-air performance tells the story of a seemingly small but historic event—the introduction of tick-borne encephalitis to Latvia. Drawing parallels between the diversity of the insect world and our society, the play encourages reflection on themes such as mutual respect and tolerance. It also educates audiences of all ages about the habits of Latvia’s insects, while emphasizing the importance of personal health and safety when spending time in nature.

We are particularly drawn to projects that combine creative and educational elements, offering social value. The themes addressed in ‘Ticks’ by playwright Klāvs Mellis and director Paula Pļaveniece, in collaboration with KVADRIFRONS, are significant for society as a whole—mutual respect, tolerance, and inclusion—told through allegories based on insect life. At the same time, the production will appeal to younger audiences as it introduces Latvia’s diverse insect life and habits in an engaging, accessible, and educational way, encouraging children and families to explore nature safely. Initiatives like this, carried out through creative approaches, contribute to building a healthier, more positive, and informed society,

says Ineta Done, Senior Vice President of Signet Bank.

The opera “Ticks” is a musical open-air performance featuring the entire KVADRIFRONS team alongside guest artists from various genres. Together, they bring to life a historic event—the introduction of tick-borne encephalitis to Latvia. This colorful and romantic family epic is a tale of fateful love, chilling betrayal, the power of friendship, courtship dances, poisonous lilies of the valley, and the fascinating, intricate world beneath our feet.

More information: www.kvadrifrons.lv

Tickets: https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/lv/event/139374