STATE ENSEMBLE “LIETUVA”
“MAŽVYDAS”
A collage opera based on the play by Justinas Marcinkevičius
Soloists:
Mažvydas – Giedrius Arbačiauskas
Mažvydas’s beloved Marija – Monika Marija
Mažvydas’s son Kasparas – Rokas Spalinskas
Mažvydas’s stepson Kristupas – Rokas Laureckis
Mažvydas’s second wife Benigna – Jovita Vaškevičiūtė
Director – Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas
Libretto and Screenplay by – Arnas Ališauskas
Composer – Jonas Jurkūnas
Set Designer – Gintaras Makarevičius
Costume Designer – Olga Filatova-Kontrimienė
Choreographer – Aušra Krasauskaitė
Projection Designer – Rimas Sakalauskas
Lighting Designer – Audrius Jankauskas
The new season of events at the renovated Žvejų rūmai—following the renovation of its interior spaces—will kick off with the collage opera “Mažvydas,” which premiered in 2020 and left no one indifferent, receiving exceptionally positive reviews from the audience. For this evening, an exceptional creative team will once again come together, along with actors and performers beloved by audiences: Giedrius Arbačiauskas, Monika Marija, Jovita Vaškevičiūtė, Rokas Laureckis, Rokas Spalinskas, and other familiar faces.
This project by the “Lietuva” ensemble consistently draws a full house—after performances, audiences share positive feedback and words of thanks, people even attend the performances multiple times, and those who haven’t had the chance to see “Mažvydas” are urging the ensemble to repeat its major national tours. Fans of musical theater and the late, beloved writer were deeply moved by the compelling script, the heart-wrenching arias, the inspiring stories of the characters, and the music that blends various styles.
“I really didn’t expect you to transform the entire identity of the ‘Lietuva’ ensemble in this way. The singers, the actors, and Lithuanian music—such a combination, not to mention our historical aspects. A diverse group of people has come together here, and you are changing our understanding and perspective on the ensemble. And such a fresh, modern innovation—I simply want to congratulate you and express my great joy for you,” said President Dalia Grybauskaitė, who was thoroughly captivated by the opera.
The unique musical performance “Mažvydas,” blending history and poetry, factual events and artistic freedom, tells the story of the author of the first Lithuanian book— “The Catechism”—and his dramatic and complex life, the challenges and realities of the 16th century, set against a backdrop of major political and religious upheavals.
“How do we hope to touch the hearts of viewers once again? Through the dedicated work of the entire team. What matters here are emotion, the word, and the depth of that word. Mažvydas’s theme is the essence of Lithuanian identity—the eternal theme of exile. This inspires the belief that the deeds of even a single person determine the existential future of an entire nation. “Our nation has figures and creators who deserve the attention of a global audience,” says Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas, director of the collage opera.
This program by the state ensemble “Lietuva” is one of several attempts to engage with the classics, opening them up and making them accessible, understandable, and relatable to as wide an audience as possible. The collage genre, based on classical opera, unites various musical styles; which is why the opera “Mažvydas” combines the sounds of a folk orchestra and a symphony orchestra’s string instruments, brass instruments, and electronic music, along with film scores and popular music styles.
“Mažvydas” is one of the most significant programs of “Lietuva,” in which living history is conveyed as a “readable” stage book experienced through all the senses. Bringing historical events to life on stage and reminding us that memory remains alive only as long as we ourselves cherish and bear witness to it—this is the essence of the ensemble’s work today.
The project’s patron is President Valdas Adamkus.
Premiere: March 11, 2020
To purchase 10 or more tickets, please contact:
[email protected]
Doors open one hour before the event
Event duration: ~2:00 (one intermission)
Children 6 years of age and under are admitted free of charge (proof of age must be presented at the venue)
For more information, call +370 46 410 565;
[email protected]
