A feast of classic theater from Lithuania

THE State Small Theatre of Vilnius from Lithuania is serving up a feast of classic theater to satiate Shanghai’s hungry thespian lovers of art.

Productions of Ingmar Bergman’s “A Spiritual Matter,” Mikhail Lermontov’s “The Masquerade” and Anton Checkov’s “The Three Sisters” will provide the city’s audience with a banquet of drama.

“A Spiritual Matter,” based on a script by famous Swedish director and writer Bergman, follows Victoria, a strong woman struggling with her life, who is being tortured by unfulfilled dreams, while seeking self-acceptance.

The script involves imaginary conversations Victoria has with her husband and friends, as well as her maid, father, a stranger she meets, and finally with herself. It provides an uncompromising and deep insight into the soul of an exhausted middle-aged woman.

Rimas Tuminas, one of the most outstanding Lithuanian directors, produces “The Masquerade.” His version is regarded as one of the most successful interpretations of Lermontov’s romantic play.

Tuminas has used the theme Romanticism in his production and connected it with commedia dell’arte. The elements of this genre turn an alluring view into a strange tragicomedy.

Awe-inspiring visuals, strong feelings and a nostalgic festive atmosphere distinguish Chekhov’s “The Three Sisters.” The classic play is also interpreted by Tuminas. It follows the unfulfilled lives of three young women. The director also shares his surprising inventiveness and imagination, paradoxical and unexpectedly stylistic sets.

Date: May 17, 7:30pm

Date: May 19-20, 7:30pm

Date: May 22-23, 7:30pm Tickets: 80-380 yuan

Tel: 3636-8807

Venue: Daning Theater

Address: 1222 Pingxingguan Rd