A brave, emancipated girl or a fragile, bereaved girl who went into battle out of desperation? At the very least, an opinion maker of those times, an orator who was able to convince skeptics that she could lead the resistance. Who is this girl who inspired courage not only for women but also for men?
Countess Emilija Pliaterytė, the first in 1830-1831. Participant and captain of the Polish-Lithuanian uprising against the Russian Empire. Who could have imagined that she would be played by the well-known performer, Eurovision finalist Monika Liu? According to the singer, we will see her in an unexpected role. This project promises an intriguing experience and will surprise even the biggest Monika Liu fans.
The musical drama "Emilija" is an ambitious project of the state ensemble "Lithuania", for the creation of which an unprecedented tandem was invited - director-playwright Kęstutis Jakštas and director of major Lithuanian events Dalius Abaris. The premiere is scheduled for 2024. in autumn on the country's biggest stages: October 25 In Vilnius "Avia Solutions Group" arena, November 8. Klaipėda "Švyturio" arena, November 15. Panevėžys "Kalnapilis" arena, November 22. in Šiauliai Arena and on November 26. in Kaunas "Zalgiris" arena. Along with Monika Liu, other famous guest actors and performers will participate in the project, whose names the creators will reveal later.
"Emilija Pliaterytė is from the 19th century. hero of the age, and we talk too little about our heroes. I often wondered why our state developed so rapidly, and I think that it was due to bright personalities, starting with Vytautas the Great and ending with Emilia. According to the story, they took bold steps and overcame everything with faith. And who is our hero today? Will we have heroes of the 21st century at all, who will they be?", one of the directors, K. Jakštas, who directed the collage opera "Mažvydas" with the "Lietuva" ensemble, wonders.
"Emilia" is a musical-historical drama, a monument to our country's Joan of Arc, which proves that even a seemingly fragile personality can have a great influence in the fight for freedom, for ideas and for one's country when necessary. It is a symbolic commemoration of the battle between the two nations, because, according to historians, Emilija Pliaterytė (Polish: Emilia Plater) is a hero of both Lithuanians and Poles.
"As you understand, we can expect a new musical in Lithuania, the only question is whether it will be classical or whether the creative team will take a slightly unconventional path, looking for a new synthesis of music and performing arts - time will tell." For me personally, it is always more interesting to look for new forms of expression, although it would also be very interesting to create a historical, costume drama. Many beautiful stories and legends have been created about Lithuanian women, but the portrait of such a woman, I think, will be a discovery for many. Emilia's story is really worthy not only of the stage, but also of the big screen", says another director D. Abaris, who staged another musical drama of the ensemble "The Tale of a Gifted Heart".
The plot of the musical drama is based on real events, while also delving into the inner experiences of a young woman due to her love for her people, her husband, her mother, her father. Emilija Pliaterytė, who lives in the shadow of her parents' constant conflict, has a closed way and longed for freedom since she was a child. Emilija was not satisfied with the position of a woman in the family and society at that time, she did not want to be the "guardian of the hearth" supported only by her husband, she learned to shoot and fight with swords, and learned to ride well. When she found out that an uprising had started in Poland, Emilia changed into men's clothes, cut her hair and went out with other rebels to overthrow the Tsar's rule. This is how the legend of Emilia Plater was born.
Historical events will be presented with modern stage art solutions - scenography, costumes, dance and music. Composer Jievaras Jasinskis chose an extremely unusual version of electronic music, which was created using Lithuanian national instruments.
The State Ensemble "Lietuva" continues the campaign "Let's grow the muscle of unity" and invites us to unite through the common history of all of us. A story that comes to life anew through prominent personalities on the musical theater stage.
