Nekrosius and Lithuanian Theatre

Herbert Blau, Distinguished Professor of English, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
"If this book had done no more than to introduce the work of the Lithuanian director Nekroius, a major innovator in the modern theatre, to those unaware of it elsewhere, it would have been a considerable service. But Ludvika Popenhagen brings to her study of the multiple levels of Nekroius' scenography a virtual history of the Lithuanian theater, also neglected, and an acute sense of affinities and differences between the 'scenic writing' of Nekroius and the aural and visual strategies of other significant figures on the world stage today. While defining Nekroius' specific role in the determination of a National Lithuanian Theatre, this book is also a discourse on the obstacles to, the struggle for, and the possibilities of a cultural transference. Ludvika Popenhagen, a Lithuanian born in Australia, knows something of this by nature and has the sensitivity of an experienced actress with the reflexes of a theorist."


Helmut Bakaitis, Head of Directing, National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney
"Ludvika Popenhagen's book provides an engaging and lively account of a contemporary director at work. This book is most valuable in that it documents successfully a field of theater scholarship that has to date been under-researched and neglected: the contribution made by Lithuanian artists to contemporary world culture."


Book Description
Eimuntas Nekroius is a Lithuanian theatre director acclaimed by critics nationally and internationally. Belonging to the post-World War II generation of Eastern European directors, Nekroius established his career during the tenure of the Soviet Socialist Regime and remains the most prominent metteur en scne in contemporary Lithuania. Nekroius and his company of actors invent energetic movement sequences and poignant images where gestures and actions enhance or frame the text. This progressive mainstream theatre crosses cultural boundaries and does not depend on sociopolitical persuasions for its success. By creating innovative and alternative productions of globally recognized literary classics, such as Chekhov, Gogol, Pushkin, and Shakespeare, Nekroius is one of the great directors of this century.


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A study of the work of a nationally and internationally acclaimed Lithuanian theater director belonging to the post-WWII generation of Eastern European theater directors, whose progressive mainstream theater crosses cultural boundaries and is not dependent on socio- political persuasions for its success. Explores his vision and his stagings of internationally recognized dramatic writers, and reveals the microcosmic world of his stage settings. The author teaches at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


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