The Thirteenth Apostle, or A Cloud in Trousers

Director Jonas Vaitkus's "The Thirteenth Apostle, or A Cloud in Trousers" is a powerful theatrical experience that delves into the complex and contradictory world of Russian futurist poet Vladimir Mayakovsky. The production, featuring almost the entire Vilnius Old Theatre troupe, aims to reawaken a society oversaturated with entertainment by exploring themes of truth, justice, and the enduring relevance of Mayakovsky's work in the 21st century. It's a bold and visually striking piece that challenges audiences to confront contemporary issues through the lens of a century-old artistic movement.

The play is a "total theater" experience, where all components—from scenography and costumes by Jonas Arčikauskas to the actors' passionate delivery of Mayakovsky's poetry in its original language—are inextricably linked. Critics praise Vaitkus's broad strokes in representing Mayakovsky as an enduring symbol, and the production's ability to polemicize with the present. This is a show for those who appreciate experimental theater and a deep dive into the intersection of art, politics, and human emotion.