Since 2001, with the production of The youngest brother’s summer at the New Riga Theatre when the stage sky was composed of upside down buckets, Latvian theatre is inconceivable without Martins Vilkarsis.

He graduated from Latvian Academy of Arts majoring in Designer graphics and Scenography. Mārtiņš Vilkārsis considers Aleksandrs Dembo and Andris Freibergs his greatest teachers. Already during his first season he was nominated for the Latvian Theatre Award - Stage Designer of the Year. Over the following ten years, he has received the award five times. Martins has designed and built sets for almost all Latvian theatres (with the exception of Daugavlis and Puppet theatres), as well as for a number of productions in Lithuania, Estonia, Russia and Kazakhstan. He has made sets for very large (i.e. Daugava Sports Stadium) and very small stages. The most famous plays of Shakespeare, Chekhov, Blaumanis and many others have been transferred by Martins to different times. On average he designs ten productions a year.

Martins Vilkarsis is aesthete. He likes exquisite and stylistically pure space. Be it Hedda Gabler’s amber room or many shades of black in Idiot, or the colourful white of Amadeus, or grey as in Orpheus’ Underworld. Or the paintings that come alive in the sets of CV and In Fire.

Martins Vilkarsis speaks in symbols. Romeo and Juliet. Myth main characters love and die in a giant aquarium, in Heirs of Sand the roof of the house flaps its wings, but in the mythical world of Blow the Wind! the tree branches are swaying and waves are breaking against the river bank. Norwegian fiord finds itself in the intimately built small stage, and the chimneys, puffing real smoke, of the old Grizinkalns factory on the big stage. Ophelia’s grave under the carpet of the library.

Martins Vilkarsis likes genuine and fine things: details that can be seen only by the actors and professional techniques that trick the audience.  Swallow’s nest on the wall, a little bird flies over the stage, and trees suddenly lose their tops.

Martins Vilkarsis is a team player. Most of the time he works together with Ilze Vitolina or Anna Heinrihsone, the costume designers and Igor Kapustin or Mārtiņš Feldmanis, lighting designer. From 2001 he has created all sets for Olgerts Kroders’ productions. He has worked with Boris Eifman on a number of ballet productions. Most of this century productions by Dž. Dž. Džilindžers un Rolandas Atkochiunas, as well as a number of Roman Kozak, Indra Roga, Mihails Gruzdovs, Lauris Gundars productions would have not been the same without Martins’ outlook.

He mentioned in an interview that the designer has to become the director’s eyes. A production viewed through Martins Vilkarsis’ eyes is colourful and unpredictable.

Līga Ulberte, Dr. artis

Latvian Theatre Award Performance Night – Theatre Designer of the Year 2010/2011

The Great Music Award 2009 performance of the year A. Oneger Joan of Arc, The State Choir Latvija

Latvian Theatre Award Performance Night – Theatre Designer of the Year 2007/2008 g.

Newspaper Diena 2007. Award in culture for the production Idiot, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders Valmiera Drama Theatre

Latvian Theatre Award Performance Night – Theatre Designer of the Year 2006/2007 g.

Latvian Theatre Award Performance Night – Theatre Designer of the Year 2005/2006 g.

Latvian Theatre Award Performance Night – Theatre Designer of the Year 2003/2004 g.

I’m 30, Dir. Ināra Slucka, The Latvian National Theatre, 2018

Antonia # Silmachi, ballet, choreographer Aivars Leimanis, The Latvian National Opera and Ballet, 2018

Jerusalem, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, The Dailes Theatre, 2018

Crimes of the Heart, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas, The Dailes Theatre, 2018

The Admirer No. 1, Dir. Gundars Silakaktiņš, The Dailes Theatre, 2017

The Unfinished Wedding, Dir. Varis Brasla, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2017

The Celebration, Dir. Alexander Morfov, The Dailes Theatre, 2017

Hedda Gabler, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, Liepāja Theatre, 2017

The Rose of Turaida, opera, Dir. Ināra Slucka, The Latvian National Opera and Ballet, 2017

Carmen, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas, The Dailes Theatre, 2017

The Portrait of Dorian Gray, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, The Dailes Theatre, 2017

The Legend of the Great Schemer, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas, Lithuanian Russian Drama Theatre (Lithuania), 2017

Joan of Arc, Dir.Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, The Dailes Theatre, 2016

The Garnet Bracelet, Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, The Dailes Theatre, 2016

The Minor House in Hemp (“The Forest”), Dir. Indra Roga, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2016

The Visit, Dir. Aleksey Girba (Russia), Liepāja Theatre, 2016

Photograph 51, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, Liepāja Theatre, 2016

Coo - Coo, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas, Lithuanian National Drama Theatre (Lithuania), 2016

The Elephant Man, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, Liepāja Theatre, 2016

The Bat, operetta, Dir. Edmunds Freibergs, The Latvian National Opera and Ballet, 2015

The Exhibition Paintings, ballet, choreographers M.Komarova, A.Freimans, A.Astreina, E.Leimane, R.Martinovs, The Latvian National Opera and Ballet, 2015

The Autumn Blues, Dir. Varis Brasla, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2015

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Dir. Alexander Morfov, The Dailes Theatre, 2015

Latia, Dir. Varis Brasla, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2015

Frankenstein, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, The Dailes Theatre, 2015

Silver Light, Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2015

Master and Margarita, Dir. Indra Roga, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2015

The Paradise, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepāja Theatre, 2015

Manon Lescaut, Dir. Ināra Slucka, The Latvian National Opera and Ballet, 2015

Two Naked Men, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepāja Theatre, 2015

The Cripple of Inishmaan, Dir. Regnārs Vaivars, Liepāja Theatre, 2015

1984, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, Liepāja Theatre, 2014

The Bedbug, Dir. Dāvis Auškāps, The Latvian National Theatre, 2014

Madame Bovary, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas, The Dailes Theatre, 2014

Singles, Dir. Regnārs Vaivars, The Dailes Theatre, 2014

Fog, Dir. Indra Roga, The Latvian National Theatre, 2014

Zoyka’s Apartment, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas, Lithuanian Russian Drama Theatre (Lithuania), 2014

Cabaret, Dir. Indra Roga, The Latvian National Theatre, 2014

The Great Gatsby, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepāja Theatre, 2014

Five Evenings, Dir. Leons Leščinskis, Liepāja Theatre, 2014

Ashes of the Sun, Dir. Fēlikss Deičs, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2014

Decameron in the Style of spa, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepāja Theatre, 2014

Identical Blood, Dir. Mārtiņš Vilkārsis, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2014

Piaf, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, Liepāja Theatre, 2013

Doctor Zhivago, Dir. Indra Roga, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2013

Karlsson Is Flying, ballet, choreographer Aivars Leimanis, The Latvian National Opera and Ballet, 2013

M.Butterfly, Dir. Laura Groza-Ķibere, The Dailes Theatre, 2013

Onegin, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, The Dailes Theatre, 2013

The Count of Luxembourg, Dir. Igor Konaev, St.Petersburg State Theatre of Musical Comedy (Russia), 2013

Hunter Stories, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas, Lithuanian National Drama Theatre (Lithuania), 2013

Bury Me Under the Floor, director Regnārs Vaivars, The Dailes Theatre, 2012

Tramp’s Prayer, director Varis Brasla, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2012

The Dancing Master, Dir. Igor Konayev, Moscow's Lenkom Theatre (Russia), 2012

Finita la comedia, Dir. Aleksandr Morfov (Bulgaria), Dailes Theatre, 2012

Zoya's apartment, Dir. Indra Roga, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2012

Jasmin, Dir. Māra Ķimele, Miltinis Drama Theatre (Panevezhis Lithuania), 2012

Without a Dowry, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2012

The Real Thing, Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, Dailes Theatre, 2012

Trine’s Sins, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Dailes Theatre, 2012

Tale of the Penny – 2012, Dir. Pauls Timrots, Dailes Theatre, 2011

Good blood, Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre, 2011

Silver Skates, Dir. Edmunds Freibergs, Latvian National Theatre, 2011

Blow, the Wind, musical, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepaja Theatre, 2011

Family Matters, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Liepaja Theatre, 2011

Orpheus Descends, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2011

Divas, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2011

Amadeus, Dir. Jans Vilems van den Boss (Great Britain), Dailes Theatre, 2011

Adam’s Story, Dir. Indra Roga, Latvian National Theatre, 2011

Cloudy, soon to clear, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2011

Hananna, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), .Juozo Miltinio Drama Theatre (Panevėžys, Lithuania), 2011

Abel and Olga, Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, Dailes Theatre, 2011

The Republic of Crow Street, Dir. Laura Groza, Dailes Theatre, 2011

Ceplis, musical, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Dailes Theatre, 2010

Tailor Time in Silmači, Dir. Indra Roga, Latvian National Theatre, 2010

Marriage of Figaro, opera, Dir. Indra Roga, Vanemuine Theatre (Tartu, Estonia), 2010

Red Zhizel, ballet, Choreographer Boris Eifman (Russia), Kazakhstan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre (Almaty, Kazakhstan), 2010

From the Sweet Bottle, Dir. Fēliks Deičs, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2010

In Fire, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuanina), Liepaja Theatre, 2010

Tomorrow is my Wedding, Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, Dailes Theatre, 2010

Hananna, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepaja Theatre, 2010

Code of Versailles (Moliere), Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Dailes Theatre, 2010

Scatterbraines (Gaisa grābekļi) Dir. Kārlis Auškāps, Dailes Theatre, 2010 patsy

Maria Stuart, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders,Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2010

Mouse trap,Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2009

Suicide (Finita la Comedia), Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Liepaja Theatre, 2009

Little Marriage Crimes, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Dailes Theatre, 2009

Anna Louise and Anton (Pünktchen und Anton), Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2009

Lācis, Dir. Indra Roga, Latvian National Theatre, 2009

Pyjamas for Six, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Liepaja Theatre, 2009

1906. Wilder than 1905, Dir. Gatis Šmits, Latvian National Theatre, 2009

Fernando Krapp Wrote me this Letter, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Moscow A. Pushkin Drama Theatre (Moscow, Russia), 2009

Anna Karenina, ballet, Choreograph Boriss Eifman (Rusia), Tokyo New National Opera (Tokyo, Japan), 2009

Joan of Arc, oratorio, Conductor Māris Sirmais, Dir. Indra Roga, The State Choir Latvija, 2009, The Great Music Award

The Cherry Orchard, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2009

The Gambler, Dir. Roman Kozak (Russia), Dailes Theatre, 2009

Duck Hunting, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepaja Theatre, 2009

The Indrāni, Dir. Māra Ķimele, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2008

Family Stories (Porodične priče),, Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, Dailes Theatre, 2008

My Wife's Name is Maurice, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Dailes Theatre, 2008

The XXIV All-Latvian Song and XIV Dance Festival, Dir. Māra Ķimele, Daugava Sports Stadium, 2008

All about women, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Liepaja Theatre, 2008

Arabian Nights, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Liepaja Theatre, 2008

Home, Dir. Indra Roga, Latvian National Theatre, 2008

Bullets over Broadway, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2008

The Seagull (Chayka), Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, Dailes Theatre, 2008

Till Spring, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2008

Hamlet, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2008

Yvonne, Princess of Burgundy, Dir. Romāns Kozaks (Russia), Dailes Theatre, 2007

Anna Karenina, Ballet, choreography Boris Eifman (Russia), Latvian National Opera, 2007

CV. Uncle Vanya, Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Liepaja Theatre, 2007

Lolita, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2007

Stone Nest, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2007

Intim, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2007

Killer’s Diary, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepaja Theatre, 2007

King Lear, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2006

No Exit (Huis Clos), Dir. Rolandas Atkočiūnas (Lithuania), Liepaja Theatre, 2006

The Libertine, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2006

Lady without Camellies, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Liepaja Theatre, 2006

Idiot, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre

The Ghost’s Sonata, Dir. Saulius Varnas (Lithuania), Dailes Theatre, 2005

Caligula, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2005

The Lady from the Sea, Dir. Saulius Varnas (Lithuania), Fifth Theatre - Omsk Chamber Theatre (Russia), 2005

The Odd Couple, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2005

Striptease, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2005

Melancholic Waltz, Dir. Dž.Dž.Džilindžers, Dailes Theatre, 2005

Hedda Gabler, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2005

The Old Ladies, Dir. Varis Brasla, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2005

Binkle and Flip, Dir. Varis Brasla, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2005

Mr Puntila and his Man Matti, Dir. Agris Krūmiņš, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2004

Klondike, musical, Dir. Mihails Gruzdovs, Dailes Theatre, 2004

Tailor Days in Simači, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2004

Little Raven, Dir. Māra Ķimele, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2004

Don Quixote, Ballet, Choreograph Aivars Leimanis, Latvian National Opera, 2004

Love as a diagnosis, Dir. Vladimir Petrov (Russia), Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre, 2004

Romeo and Juliet. Myth, Dir. Gaļina Poliščuka, Liepaja Theatre, 2003

The same Old Ash Trees, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2003

Magnificent Cuckold, Dir. Vasily Senin (Russia), Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre, 2003

Uncle Vanya, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2003

Little Red Riding Hood, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2003

The Trap, Dir. Varis Brasla, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2003

Mrs. Minister, Dir. Varis Brasla, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2002

Summer and Smoke, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Valmiera Drama Theatre, 2002

Tiritomba or golden fish, Dir. Lauris Gundars, Teātris TT, 2002

The Importance of Being Earnest, Dir. Mihail Mamedov (Russia), Dailes Theatre, 2002

A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, Dir. Genady Trostinecky (Russia), Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre, 2002

The Theatre, Dir. Oļģerts Kroders, Latvian National Theatre, 2002

Cheese and Marmalade, Dir. Imants Jaunzems, Dailes Theatre, 2001

The Youngest Brother’s Summer, Dir. Lauris Gundars, Riga new Theatre, 2001

Prague Quadrennial, Prague, Czheck Republic, 2003

Personal exhibition Absolutely cool, art gallery “Čiris”, Riga, 2001

Personal exhibition Not to be Boring, art gallery “Bastejs”, Riga, 000

Personal exhibition Latvian Underwater Globes, art gallery “Čiris”, Riga,1999

Personal exhibition Porthole, art gallery “Čiris”, Riga,1998

Personal exhibition Audit in the Barn, art gallery “Čiris”, Riga,1998

Personal exhibition “i”, art gallery “Melnais balodis”, Riga, 1997

Personal exhibition Only Water, art gallery “Čiris”, Riga, 1998

Freelancer 2011 – up to now

Art Director, Dailes Theatre 2010 - 2011

Chief Designer, Dailes Theatre 2007- 2010

Advertising Director, Dailes Theatre 2004 - 2007

Chief Designer, Riga Russian Theatre 2003 - 2004

Advertising Director, Dailes Theatre 2001 - 2002

Art Academy of Latvia, Prof. A.Freibergs master class in scenography 1999 - 2001

Art Academy of Latvia, Prof. A.Dembo master class in designer-graphics 1993 - 1995

Art Academy of Latvia, Department of Designer-Graphics 1989 - 1993