“Nights of Cabiria”

“Kabirijos naktys” is the first premiere of the trilogy “Felliana 2026–2028” presented by the Užupis Drama Theatre.

Inspired by the work of legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, the production draws from his classic film Nights of Cabiria and transforms it into a poetic, grotesque tragicomedy about a small human being navigating a vast and indifferent world.

At the center of the story is Cabiria — a lonely sex worker living on the margins of society, constantly searching for love, closeness, and faith in humanity. Despite betrayal, humiliation, and loneliness, she never loses her ability to dream, laugh, and believe that life can still be beautiful.

The main role of Cabiria is performed by Virginija Straigytė.

The stage blends fantasy and reality: city streets become dreamlike spaces, everyday figures turn into almost circus-like characters, and Fellini’s universe is recreated as if it were a memory or a dream filled with music, light, shadows, melancholy, and joy.

The performance incorporates comedy and tragedy, dance elements, magical scenes, and live theatrical energy. The atmosphere is deeply influenced by the music of Nino Rota, whose work is inseparable from Fellini’s cinematic world.

This two-part performance (with intermission, 2h 30min) explores a simple but powerful idea: even in the most painful moments, a person can still believe in love, life, and others.