On 3 September in Stockholm, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will attend the first night performance of the play Garā dzīve (The Long Life) by the New Riga Theatre (Jaunais Rīgas teātris, JTR) that has been included in the cultural programme of the Swedish EU Presidency. After the performance, together with the State Secretary of the Swedish Prime Minister's Office, Maria Asenius, and Vice Mayor of Stockholm, Madeleine Sjostedt, the Foreign Minister will address first night audiences – guests of the Presidency, representatives from cultural organizations of Stockholm and all those interested in theatrical art.

The aim of the Swedish EU Presidency cultural programme is to present to the Swedish public a broader picture of Europe and to the European society – that of Sweden, by offering access to cultural values of high standard – a modern and open culture, which transcends borders. The programme's section The World in Sweden includes also one of the performances by Alvis Hermanis and the JRT that has won the largest number of international awards - Garā dzīve (Long Life).

"The Long Life" is presented on the newly built guest performance stage of the Stockholm City Theatre (Stockholms Stadsteater) on 3, 4, 5 September. The JTRI has visited a number of countries; "The Long Life" has already been shown in 28 countries and Stockholm is the 47th city hosting the performance. This is, however, the first time when the JRT performs in Sweden.

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