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JG 83
JG 83 opens with a detailed survey of the developments and achievements in Latvian music, theatre, art, and literature - in North America, Europe, and Australia. The author, Dr. Kārlis Ābele (Australia), in his article "Latvian Emigré Cultural Life in 1970" points out that while many of the same trends were at work as in previous years, they became more evident because highlighted at the large-scale music and arts festivals in Toronto, Los Angeles, and Brisbane. At these festivals, the increasing prominence of the so-called "middle-generation" in all aspects of artistic endeavor emerged more strikingly than ever before; and little doubt remained that the differences of opinion on a wide range of social and cultural issues have become more pronounced than ever. Although Dr. Ābele states that ideological differences need not necessarily be drawn along age lines, the much discussed generation conflict seems to be very much in evidence. Certain aspects of this "generation gap" - in general terms and as specifically applicable to Latvian society - are treated by two authors at the extreme ends of the age spectrum.
Jūlijs Roze (b. 1892), points out that generation differences occur in all societies where rapid changes are taking place. However, the extraordinary pace of development in our day has created certain unprecedented discords within the individual, and many who are eager to reap the fruits of technological advancement are unwilling to accept new ideas. This is especially true of those in authority who feel their entrenched position threatened. Youth, however, finds no psychological obstacles to seeing the value of new ideas, and can adapt to change more easily. Ojārs Rozītis Jr. (b. 1951), argues that socio-economic factors are just as influential as a person's age in determining his ideological orientation; however, he also believes that a certain division between age groups will always exist, for this division is in the eternal order of things. Turning to the problem in a Latvian context, Rozītis notes that the older generation, which was forced to go into exile, has for the most part adapted only to the outward, material conditions of the adopted country, while retaining a firm sense of cultural identity. The younger people, born in exile, are not bound by the ideologies, fears, and hatreds generated by WW II, and have become also intellectually assimilated. Interestingly enough, both authors exhibit fewer differences of opinion than one might expect. Both agree that ideas about art, literature, politics, ethics and aesthetics vary with each generation, and are shaped by the historical conditions against which they developed. Rozītis treats the ideas of his elders courteously, and hopes that differences will become the basis for progress. Roze describes present Latvian youth as replete with talent, energy, and idealism, and perhaps more capable of a critical, pragmatic approach to the great issues than their elders.
Uldis Ģērmanis continues to demonstrate the contemporary relevance and interest of history in the latest installment of his monograph "The Commander From Zemgale". The present chapter describes the heroic role played by the Latvian division of the czarist army in the tragically futile attacks of January, 1917. The result was growing disaffection with the regime among both soldiers and civilians, leading to definite demands and proposals for Latvian autonomy.
Prose fiction is represented by Olģerts Rūsis' "A Winter's Tale", and Eduards Freimanis' Hoffmanesque fantasy "My Feline Soul".
The poetry selection exhibits a wide variety of themes and styles. Herta Krauja' poetry is intensely personal, probing her own psyche and emotions and her relationship to nature, life, and eternity. Andrejs Irbe stuns with his dazzling display of pyrotechnics; his poems are striking experiments with sound, imagery, form, and meaning. Two poetry collection are reviewed - Gundars Pļavkalns (Australia) analyzes Many Happy Returns, Etc. by Olafs Stumbrs (California) and Crystal and Clay by Aina Kraujiete (N.Y.)
The concluding section, Echoes, includes some fascinating and ironic marginalia on recent literary interactions, problems, conflicts, and debates involving several generations of writers and critics - émigré Latvian, Soviet Latvian, and Swedish. Notable among them are Gunars Irbe's apt and biting replies to a "lover of literature" critical of the selections from Latvian writers of the 60's published by the Swedish literary magazine Horisont. The exchange strikingly illustrates some of the above mentioned differences of opinion between representatives of the "older" and the talented, cosmopolitan "middle" generation of writers.
Cover design by Laimonis Mieriņš (Leeds, England), vignettes by Jānis Gorsvāns (Anaheim, Calif.).
I. Š.-L.
