Vilnius Small Theatre concludes 37th season: between living memory and new stage forms

The Vilnius Small Theatre (VMT) has concluded its 37th season, a period highlighted by significant artistic achievements and critical acclaim.

Among the season's notable successes was Oskaras Koršunovas's production, "Kant: The Room Where It Is Not Thought." This play was recognized as the best of the year at the "Teatro genas" festival in Rokiškis, where actor Ramūnas Cicėnas also received an award for best actor. Cicėnas further earned the best actor title at the "COM•MEDIA" International Theatre Festival, while Indrė Patkauskaitė was named best actress at the same event. The costume designer for "Kant," Sandra Straukaitė, received a "Golden Stage Cross" award on International Theatre Day.

A significant artistic event of the season was the premiere of "Trukdis," directed by the emerging talent Justinas Vinciūnas. This play delves into human sensitivity, psychological vulnerability, and the struggle for self-identity in a world that often perceives sensitivity as weakness. Inspired by the works and biography of Danish author Tove Ditlevsen, particularly her novel "Faces," Vinciūnas created a piece that uses fragmented narrative and intense emotional states to explore its themes.

“

The challenge is not that people don't know what to do. The challenge is making healthy practices a part of the daily routine before health problems start to emerge.

The lead role of Lisė Mundus in "Trukdis" is portrayed by Dovilė Šilkaitytė. The character's struggle with reality serves as a metaphor for individual crises and the broader human condition. The director drew upon the ideas of Norwegian existentialist Peter Zapffe, transforming his theory about a species of deer that went extinct due to overly heavy antlers into a metaphor for human consciousness, where sensitivity and creativity can be both a gift and a burden. The motif of antlers became a memorable visual symbol in the production.

Additionally, the play "Marti," directed by Gabrielė Tuminaitė, continued to engage audiences, reaching its 100th performance. Based on a short story by Žemaitė, "Marti" exemplifies how classic Lithuanian literature can be adapted to create new forms of dialogue between theatre and its audience, extending its impact beyond the stage.

“

Health is not just a medical issue. It is closely linked to productivity, work performance, and a person's ability to continue living a quality life.