Olgert Kroders

Olgert Kroders was born on August 9, 1921, in Riga, Latvia. His father, writer Robert Kroders, was a nobleman who belonged to Latvian gentry. His mother, Gerta Kroders, was a Latvian drama actress known under stage name Gerta Wulf. Olgert Kroders attended Riga State University, majoring in history. He was also active in student drama club. In 1937, his grandfather, Janis Kroders, was executed in Moscow under the dictatorship of Joseph Stalin. In 1941, when Baltic states were occupied under the dictatorship of Joseph Stalin, the entire Kroders family were arrested on accusations of anti-Soviet activity and exiled to Siberia. There, Kroders' mother and father died in exile due to poor nutrition and harsh environment. Olgert Kroders served his sentence for 15 years. In 1956, 'Nikita Khrushchev denounced Stalin and initiated "The Thaw" bringing some liberalization in cultural life of the USSR. After that, Olgert Kroders was allowed to return from his exile to Latvia and eventually became an actor and director. Kroders began his professional career as assistant director for Edward Smilgis at Janis Rajnis Drama Theatre in Riga. From 1961 to 1964 he studied directing at Moscow State Theatrical Institute, GITIS, graduating as theatre director. Upon graduation he returned to Latvia and worked as director at Valmiera Drama Theatre during the 1960s. In 1967, he made his film debut in Four White Shirts (1987). During 70s and 80s he enjoyed a steady film acting career appearing in about 20 film and television productions made in the former Soviet Union, and in Latvia. From 1974 - 1990 Olgert Kroders was chief director of Liepaja Drama Theatre, then, from 1990 to 1995 he was chief director of the Latvian National Academic Theatre in Riga. Outside of his acting profession, Olgert Kroders has been a good sportsman, he was Decathlon champion of Jurmala, Latvia. He is living in Riga, Latvia.