Laura Kutkaitė: Teach Me

Director Laura Kutkaitė, who created the productions “The Silence of the Sirens” and “Teiresias’ Breast” at the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, presents her new production, “Teach Me”. Kutkaitė, who is creating a provocative work about school, says theatre is a valuable place to reconsider our attitude towards education. In this work, as in her previous ones, she combines a philosophical perspective with humour, using social criticism, dramaturgy developed through a devised process*, and tragicomic images that emerge during improvisations with the actors. Before beginning rehearsals with the actors, Kutkaitė visited various Lithuanian gymnasiums and spent a day in lessons with students in grades 9–11. The creators also draw inspiration from thoughts and stories sent in by teachers and students. They say everyone will recognise their own school experiences—both the painful ones and the most idiotic. “Teach Me” asks what kind of society today’s school is shaping. How are school and a factory alike? Can we consider ourselves factory-made products? Where should the line be drawn between education and indoctrination? As a society, do we want to uphold a culture of obedience and subordination, or do we dare to imagine a future in which education truly liberates? “Teach Me” invites the audience to spend an unusual “day at school” together. The production is dedicated to the memory of Gabrielė Skiriūtė.

*A devised approach to dramaturgy is based on collaboration: rather than being written in advance, the script is created collectively during rehearsals.

The production features works or excerpts from them: Thank you: