Collage opera "Mažvydas"

Based on the drama by Justinas Marcinkevičius

The collage opera "Mažvydas," based on the work of Just. Marcinkevičius, which left no one indifferent and earned successful acclaim, returns to the stage. For this evening, an exceptional creative team and beloved actors and performers will reunite: Giedrius Arbačiauskas, Jovita Vaškevičiūtė, Rokas Laureckis, Rokas Spalinskas, Dovilė Kazonaitė, and others.

One of the largest projects by the "Lietuva" ensemble has been attracting huge interest from audiences for six years now – after performances, people share positive impressions and gratitude, some even travel to see the shows multiple times, and those who haven't had the chance to see "Mažvydas" are invited to do so once again. Fans of musical theater and the late writer remained unmoved by the evocative text, heart-wrenching arias, inspiring stories of the heroes, and music that combines various styles.

"Simply pride in each of you. In every fragment of the performance, in every breath. The gazes of the choir members, the plasticity of the dancers, the emotions of the performers. It seemed that the audience in the hall even stopped breathing; such silence and concentration prevailed throughout the entire performance, and after it, a huge sea of applause, shouts of admiration, flowers, and a tear of emotion that rolled down more than one cheek. It is incredible that one can convey Lithuanian identity and the "Mažvydas" we all know so well in such a tasteful, light, professional, and modern way," viewers commented in the public space.

The unique musical performance "Mažvydas," which combines history and poetry, real facts and creative freedom, tells the story of Martynas Mažvydas, the author of the first Lithuanian book, the "Catechism," his dramatic and complex life, challenges, and reality in the 16th century, against the backdrop of major political and religious changes.

Exile, longing for a loved one, and difficult choices – actor and singer G. Arbačiauskas identifies with this Mažvydas. He primarily looks for the human – doubting, having sacrificed much, yet unbroken. "In this drama, Mažvydas sacrifices a lot; he has to make huge decisions. Sometimes we choose what seems more important, but over time we realize how much we miss what we gave up. Touching such a person and such material is a huge gift – here we talk about humanity, our language, and our identity, where we came from and where we are going," says G. Arbačiauskas.

"How do we hope to touch the hearts of the audience again? Through the honest work of the entire team. Emotion, the word, and the depth of that word are important here. The theme of Mažvydas is the fundamental things of Lithuanians, the eternal theme of exile. It inspires faith that the deeds done by even one person determine the existential future of an entire nation. In our nation, there are personalities and creators who are worthy of the attention of a global audience," is convinced the director of the collage opera, Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas.

This program, conceived by the state ensemble "Lietuva," is one of the attempts to touch upon the classics, opening them up and making them one's own, understandable and close to as wide a circle of viewers as possible. The collage genre, based on classical opera, unites various musical styles, which is why the opera "Mažvydas" combined the sound of folk and symphonic orchestra string instruments, brass, and electronic music, music characteristic of films, and popular music styles.

"For me, the greatest meaning and intrigue is how 'Lietuva' will behave if we talk about further historical projects. What else would be the epic pillars in Lithuanian culture? Mažvydas, a musical drama about Emilija Pliaterytė. And what is next to that, how will the creative panorama be arranged, what will be staged next? I wonder, seeing all these ambitions of the ensemble and the director Edita," marvels Prof. Dr. (HP) Alfredas Bumblauskas, who watched the stage production of "Mažvydas."

With the slogan "Let's awaken the giants," the "Lietuva" ensemble invites you to look at history anew – through the strongest historical personalities, through their impact on the formation of the state, their influence on us and our generations. The civic campaign announcing the new creative season will combine existing and future historical-musical programs, resurrect prominent personalities on stage who, from the perspective of the present, are equal to giants, and will invite you to draw courage and, at the same time, discover the giant within yourself.

The patron of the project is President Valdas Adamkus. The premiere in 2020 was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Independence and the 90th birth anniversary of Just. Marcinkevičius. Information partner – "Kauno diena."

PARTICIPATING:

State ensemble "Lietuva"

Soloists:

Mažvydas – Giedrius Arbačiauskas

Mažvydas' beloved Marija – Dovilė Kazonaitė

Mažvydas' son Kasparas – Rokas Spalinskas

Mažvydas' stepson Kristupas – Rokas Laureckis

Mažvydas' wife Benigna – Jovita Vaškevičiūtė

Lutheran priest, Mažvydas' cousin Vilentas – Saulius Vasiliauskis

Monk-inquisitor – Jevgenijus Kovalčukas

CREATIVE TEAM:

Director – Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas

Author of the libretto and script – Arnas Ališauskas

Composer – Jonas Jurkūnas

Chief conductor – Egidijus Kaveckas

Set designer – Gintaras Makarevičius

Costume designer – Olga Filatova Kontrimienė

Choreographer – Aušra Krasauskaitė

Projection artist – Rimas Sakalauskas

Lighting designer – Audrius Jankauskas

Assistant director – Giedrė Kriaučionytė-Vosylienė