Edita Rudak is a contemporary Lithuanian dramatist known for her play "Serbentai" ("Currants"), a three-act drama that explores themes of family, identity, and generational memory. The play features a diverse cast of characters, including Akvilė, Karolis, Dovilė, Toma, a gynecologist, a waitress, and members of an extended family such as a mother, grandfather, and grandmother. Through intimate dialogue and evocative monologues, Rudak delves into the psychological and emotional landscapes of her characters, often focusing on the complexities of womanhood, the inheritance of trauma, and the interplay between personal and national identity.
"Serbentai" is notable for its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics and the way it intertwines personal histories with broader social and cultural themes. The play’s structure allows for introspective moments, such as Akvilė’s reflections on the legacy of her upbringing and the biological and emotional threads that connect generations. The grandparents' scenes, in particular, highlight the significance of Lithuanian rural life and the persistence of cultural memory, juxtaposed with the realities of modern existence.
