The National Network

The National Network (Nacionālais kanāls), 2025

National Theatre of Latvia, Large Hall

Every evening, veteran anchorman Howard Beale informs the world about what is new and important through his news broadcast on the National Network. Howard’s ratings are declining, and the executives want to replace him with a new face. Unwilling to leave, Howard announces that he will commit suicide live on air during his final broadcast. Suddenly, he becomes a sensation, and his following rapidly grows—he turns into a rambling old man denouncing the hypocrisies of the times. The National Network soon realises that having a so-called “mad prophet” on air is far more captivating than traditional news. And it is going to send the ratings through the roof.

CREDITS

Director

Matīss Kaža

Playwrights

Lee HallPaddy Chayefsky

Stage Designer

Reinis Dzudzilo

Costume Designer

Krista Vindberga

Choreographer

Ramona Levane

Video Artist

Toms Zeļģis

Producer

Anna Vekmane

Composer

Marta Ansone

Light Artist

Oskars Pauliņš

Generation of scenographic interior images (AI)

Oļa Golovko

STILLS

Matīss Kaža

Matīss Kaža is an Academy Award-winning Latvian producer, director and writer. He is best known for co-writing and producing the animated feature film “Flow” (2024) by Gints Zilbalodis, which won the first ever Golden Globe and Oscar for an independent animated feature. Recent producing credits include “Sisters" (2022, Warsaw Film Festival 1+2 Competition Winner) by Linda Olte, "Drowning Dry" (2024, two awards in the Locarno Main Competition) by Laurynas Bareiša. Matīss has directed and written for live action, documentary and the theatre, including “Neon Spring” (2022, Edinburgh Intl. Film Festival) and critically acclaimed performances at the Latvian National Theatre, like “The Soft Power” (2023) and “The National Network” (2025). He teaches film directing at the Latvian Academy of Culture.

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