Naujasis teatras: The Unknown Mačernis

Presentation of Vytautas Mačernis' prose Performer – Sonata VISOCKAITĖ

In these extraordinary times, it is especially important to reveal and present a side of Mačernis' work that is little known to the public – his prose, which is special and unique. Through it, Mačernis raises fundamental philosophical and existential questions, inviting us to return to fundamental eternal values. "Human existence is characterized by constant internal questions and searches for meaning, when there is much uncertainty, loneliness, inner confusion, and anxiety around us, and when there is a particular longing for sincere, warm communication and deep, real things – Mačernis speaks and spreads Faith and Hope, Light and Truth through his works (which is what we all deeply desire in our hearts). These prose works of his seem to 'bring the sunrise' (when we find ourselves in existential darkness), as if reminding us of the realization and choice of what is most important in life: 'But you can choose not to give up and remain a person who never lets the sun out of their eyes and heart.' After all, the search for meaning never grows old," shares actress Sonata Visockaitė, who will help us get to know and discover a different Mačernis.

V. Mačernis was a creator of intellectual, existential poetry and a philosopher. He is often called a Lithuanian genius. "All his work is permeated with the true and natural breath of a young genius" (A. Nyka-Niliūnas). Having died extremely young (at 23), V. Mačernis managed to leave behind a creative legacy of immeasurable depth, exceptional maturity, and artistic value. The poet wrote that "life is those high moments during which a person unfolds in the fullness of the universe. They alone make a person's life truly valuable. And my greatest desire is to teach everyone to yearn for those high moments!" V. Mačernis is known as the pioneer of new Lithuanian poetry and one of the most significant poets of his generation. He is described and presented as a unique poet who created wonderful poems. But very few people know that V. Mačernis also created... prose! Which is just as unique, speaking about fundamental philosophical and existential matters, inviting us to return to fundamental eternal values, to the preservation of humanity, no matter what happens.