This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
World-Renowned Director Robert Wilson Launches Premiere Preparations at the National Kaunas Drama Theatre
On January 23–25, the National Kaunas Drama Theatre hosted a meeting for the team behind the upcoming Robert Wilson’s premiere, Seven Solitudes. Five Acts. The world-renowned director, along with collaborators working in various countries, presented the dramaturgy, scenography, costume, and lighting concepts for the performance, which is based on the works of Oscar Milosz. The meeting also included auditions for actors. The premiere is scheduled to join the NKDT repertoire in 2026.
Director Robert Wilson was accompanied to the theatre by Charles Chemin, the author of the text adaptation and a fellow director; costume designer Flavia Ruggeri; scenography co-author Stephanie Engel; and lighting design co-author Marcello Lumaca. Wilson previously collaborated with Engel and Lumaca in Kaunas and Düsseldorf on the production of Dorian. At a later stage, the talented international team will be joined by composer Hans-Jörn Brandenburg and wig and costume designer Manuela Halligan.
The Director’s First Drama Production Based on the Work of a Lithuanian Author
Director Robert Wilson is creating an original stage interpretation inspired by the life and work of Oscar Milosz. This author was suggested to him by the National Kaunas Drama Theatre, and Wilson was immediately intrigued, eager to explore Milosz’s work and bring it to life on stage through his unique theatrical approach. According to Charles Chemin, who is currently preparing the play’s text, the centrepiece of the production is the story of Don Juan, based on the play Miguel Mañara. However, upon delving deeper into Milosz’s work, it became evident that the most fascinating character is Milosz himself. As a result, alongside Don Juan’s story, the production will incorporate Milosz’s poetry, prose, characters from fairy tales and fragments of mystical texts.
Director Robert Wilson expressed his joy at the highly productive time spent in Kaunas, highlighting the smooth creative and casting process, the openness of the participants and the involvement of the theatre staff. Wilson selected potential actors for the upcoming production, with the second creative phase scheduled for June 2025. During this phase, rehearsals will begin, and the visual concepts will be refined on stage.
A Premiere Inviting to Discover Milosz’s Unique Work
Reflecting on the upcoming premiere, the General Director of the Theatre, Egidijus Stancikas, stated: “We are honoured that a premiere based on the works of Oscar Milosz, a Lithuanian poet and playwright who wrote in French, will be born in our theatre. This author holds significance for both Lithuania and France. Just as Čiurlionis symbolises the soul of our nation in art and music, Milosz does so in literature. Moreover, Oscar Milosz made significant contributions to Lithuania as a diplomat. We eagerly await the premiere, which I hope will become not only an exceptional event in the world of theatre but also an inspiration for everyone to discover the unique personality and works of Milosz as we approach the 150th anniversary of his birth.” Stancikas also highlighted that in 2026, Robert Wilson would undertake a unique mission in Lithuanian theatre, directing two productions by Lithuanian creators: a drama at the National Kaunas Drama Theatre and an opera by composer Žibuoklė Martinaitytė at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.
According to Edgaras Klivis, NKDT’s Artistic Director, Oscar Milosz was a multifaceted figure: “His literary legacy is embedded in early 20th-century French culture, yet it is also imbued with nostalgia for Lithuanian landscapes, a heartfelt appreciation of his heritage, and support for Lithuanian statehood through his diplomatic activities. He was deeply fascinated by Lithuanian folktales and folk songs, which he translated and adapted for French readers, thus making him an integral part of our cultural history. It is delightful that the director and his team have chosen to engage with the entirety of Milosz’s oeuvre, incorporating not only his hermetic and alchemical texts, but also the characters of his fairytales.”
NKDT information
Photos by Svetlana Batura
Gift card
It's the best gift ever! All you need to know is the amount you want to give and the person can choose the performance. The gift card can be exchanged for tickets at the box office and on the internet, the balance can be kept for your next shopping trip and the shortfall can be paid in advance.
More