Remyga

The play “Remyga” has been connected with Šiauliai from its initial concept through to its final realisation. Rimantas Kmita, author of the bestseller “Pietinia kronikas”, wrote the play especially for this production, offering a phantasmagorical version of history woven from real events and fiction. It is about the city and its people, real events and myths, and those whose fate became bound to the city.

“Remyga” takes audiences back to the first years of independence. What (in)visible enemies were we fighting then? Who were we, and what did we become? The play is set in Šiauliai during the turbulent years of 1988–1992. Many of us still remember this difficult period of change, when the idealism of independence clashed with the dark forces of the old structures. The play’s protagonist, Remyga, is caught between these two forces.

After completing his service in the Soviet army in Afghanistan, Remyga returns to his hometown of Šiauliai. He wants to live like “all normal people”—to be a loving husband, a good father and a conscientious employee. But the shadows of the past and the chaos around him grow ever more oppressive, while the dark forces gain strength. How can one draw a line between good and evil in such a chaotic society? How can one remain honest with oneself and others? How can one control one’s inner demons? What is the price of independence—political and personal?

The creators of the production have blended documentary material, the authenticity of everyday life, psychedelic mysticism and live rock music into a genre-defying mix. Director Oskaras Koršunovas sees “Remyga” as a portrait of Lithuania at the time: “what was happening in Šiauliai then was happening throughout Lithuania.”

Premiere: 22 October 2020.
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