Theater legend Olgerts Kroders dies

RIGA - Valmiera Drama Theater confirmed to LETA that its long-time director, Olgerts Kroders, has died this morning at the age of 91.

Born in Riga on Aug. 9, 1921, the ever-youthful Kroders’ life was spent in theater, with many brilliant productions coming in his twilight years.

His mother, Herta Vulfa, was an actress, his father, Roberts Kroders- a noted literary figure.

His studies at the University of Latvia were short lived as the Kroders were deported to Siberia in 1941.

Having returned from exile in 1956, Olgerts Kroders began writing theater reviews, but soon enough took to staging himself, with his first professional production coming in 1959 at Liepaja Theater - Janis Kalnins’ opera “Uguni” (“In Flames”).

Most of his illustrious directing career was spent in Valmiera (1964-1974; 2001-2012).

Among his many awards - Latvia’s highest honor - the Order of the Three Stars (2001).