In mid-March, representatives of “Operomanija” attended the meeting of the Baltic Contemporary Music Network (curated by the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Composers’ Unions) that was held in Cēsis, Latvia. During the meeting, the prospects for the development of the network were discussed, while “Operomanija” also addressed the matters associated with the new Baltic network for contemporary music theatre and new opera. Together with our Latvian and Estonian partners, we intend to initiate the first activities of the future network at the end of this year.
On 26 March, on the eve of International Theatre Day, the ceremony of professional performing arts’ awards was held and the Golden Crosses of the Stage were handed out. The name of “Operomanija” was mentioned three times in the list of nominees: performers of the musical performance “Sports Group” were nominated in the actors’ ensemble category, while Žygimantas Kudirka, the author of the texts of “Brave New Body” was nominated in dramaturgy category. “Operomanija’s” producer Ana Ablamonova was awarded the special commemorative award – Borisas Dauguvietis Earring – for the far-sighted initiation and implementation of processes of interdisciplinary creation.
The audience’s favourite sonic experience “The Filler” at the Vilna Ghetto will take place at the end of March, and the beginning and end of April (in April, the walks of “The Filler” will be held at the Old Town of Vilnius for more than 30 times – so hurry up and find the time that suits you best!).
In October 2022, Joshua Zak, a witness of life at the Vilna Ghetto and one of the characters of this piece, came to Vilnius from Israel and travelled the route of “The Filler”. His niece Tsila Zak followed him throughout his visit in Lithuania. We invite you to watch a video recollection of their visit (videographer Ilmė Vyšniauskaitė).
On 20 and 21 April, the opera “Have a Good Day!” for 10 cashiers, the sounds of a supermarket and piano returns to the Arts Printing House in Vilnius, where it will be performed four times. The first show of this series will mark the 80th performance of the opera.
Together with the Lithuanian Dance Information Centre and the Theatre Information Centre, “Operomanija” is organising the first Lithuanian Performing Arts Platform, which will take place in Vilnius on 2-5 May. Creators, organisations and producers of performing arts are invited to present their activities or specific works at a pitching session. Registration for the pitching is open until 5 April, 11:59 pm.
In the coming month, “Operomanija” has been invited to two more international events: in Zagreb, it will present contemporary music theatre forms and its activities in an online lecture organised by the forum Musicville – Green European Opera, and on 27 April, it will travel to Antwerp to participate in the first Music Theatre Biennial All Arias, an event this year dedicated to women in the field of contemporary opera.