Kaunas festival 'ConTempo' challenges art norms with provocative performances

Kaunas, Lithuania, is buzzing with artistic energy as the "ConTempo" festival unfolds, showcasing a vibrant mix of contemporary dance, circus, and theater. Running until August 9, the festival is designed not just for observation but for active participation, inviting audiences to engage with and rethink the conventional boundaries of art.

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Part of this year's program raises discussions about what art should be, how to understand it, and what its value boundaries are. This is welcome – such conversations allow us to understand each other better and broaden our thinking.

Gintarė Masteikaitė, the festival's artistic director, explained that "ConTempo" was born from a desire to shake up the foundations of audience and city experiences. She aims to provide opportunities for individuals with less exposure to cultural events to discover new forms of art. "Part of this year's program raises discussions about what art should be, how to understand it, and what its value boundaries are. This is welcome – such conversations allow us to understand each other better and broaden our thinking," Masteikaitė noted.

The festival kicked off with a breathtaking performance by the French troupe "RoZéO," whose artists balanced at extreme heights above the audience in the courtyard of the Kaunas Grain factory. Both the creators and attendees found the industrial setting to be a unique element. "I take away a feeling – I came, I tuned in, I was at the performance. Unconventional solutions bring unconventional thoughts about everyday life," said attendee Ignas, describing the performance as a "provocation in the best sense."

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I take away a feeling – I came, I tuned in, I was at the performance. Unconventional solutions bring unconventional thoughts about everyday life.

Another highlight was the "U.F.A." installation by "Cris Clown," which featured a giant clown interacting with the public in Laisvės Alley. The Catalan artist, who uses humor and unexpected actions like spraying water, noted the Lithuanian audience's initial reserve. "Lithuanians remind me of Catalans – you are a bit more reserved, shy. In this installation, I never know what will happen, I can't predict the audience's reaction – maybe people will be angry that I'm spraying water on them? But laughter is very important to me – I want to hear people laugh, I want them to forget their worries for a moment and just enjoy what's happening," she shared.

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RoZéO was a provocation in the best sense, and I would like more such provocations. This is how the city becomes richer faster, becomes different, grows.

As the festival continues, "ConTempo" will present more performances in various unexpected locations, transforming streets, parks, and industrial sites into stages, further blurring the lines between art and everyday life in Kaunas.

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The place essentially changes how the performance looks and works. Being there, up above, I leave my world and dive into a completely new experience. It is important for me to look at the audience, to see their eyes, to establish a connection.