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Latvia has a very rich tradition in literature, theatre, films and fine arts. The Latvian literature started in the middle of the 19th century, when the first novels were written. Also in this time the first dramas and the first Latvian newspapers appeared which was connected to the growing national self-confidence of the country. The most important writers are Janis Rainis (1865 – 1929), Andrejs Upits (1877 – 1970), and Rudolfs Blaumanis (1863 – 1903). As mentioned theatre also plays a significant role in the cultural life of Latvia. There are the Operas and ballet theatres as well as the National Theatre, the Russian Drama, the New Theatre and some small theatres in Riga. Highly appreciated are also the choirs and the folk dances. Since 1873 there are big festivals every year in which around 20.000 singers and dancers participate. Even during the Soviet times these traditions could be kept up.
The film industry in Riga shot a lot of documentaries and movies after WW II which describe the fate of the Latvian folk in the 1930s and 1940s. Most of the actors, though, are only known nationally. Latvia is also very rich of folklore music as not a lot of other countries have.
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