Baltic mystery “Gods and Humans”

One of the most spectacular musical performances of the ensemble “Lietuva” – the mystery “Gods and Humans”, beloved by the audience, returns to the stage.

It is a contemporary interpretation of Baltic culture, combining old hymns and electronic music, modern and classical dance, and ritual ceremonies. We will see an expanded, innovative set design with multi-layered projections creating a three-dimensional visual impression, with collages of paintings by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis coming to life.

The more distant the past, the more enigmatic and mysterious it becomes – we are trying to “decode” it. By studying myths, old songs and hymns, by correlating the texts of chronicles, many of the Baltic codes “speak”. We are looking with great respect at the past through the wide gates of imagination, through the eyes of 21st century people.

The mystery performance, which was first performed in 2019, and its numerous tours in Lithuania have attracted full houses of spectators, culture and art lovers, and foreign visitors. The spectacle left no one indifferent: it moved people to tears, it amazed with the suggestiveness of the scenography, and impressed with the professionalism of the performers and the talent of the creators.

“Everything is real, deep, has many recognisable signs, and not only from the old Lithuanian worldview… The finale with Čiurlionis’s “Fairy Tale of Kings” is worth it alone,” admired the Lithuanian ethnomusicologist, Doctor of Humanities, the Vilnius Romuva Votary and the Chair of the Council for the Protection of Ethnic Culture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Urbanavičienė.

The mystery play “Gods and Humans” depicts the archaic Baltic worldview of the people – their relationship with religion, tribe, various customs and rituals. This is revealed in the old legend of the love story of the holy fire-keeper priestess and a nobleman, which is full of passion and painful experiences. Perhaps the most intimate scene of the mystery is the act of love. The dance subtly depicts the birth of life – the power planted in man by the gods to create another human being.

The mystery features original electronic compositions by composers Linas Rimša and Aras Žvirblys. The composers also create refinements of archaic hymns, Lithuanian folk songs and sutartinės.

Beside the state ensemble LIETUVA, there are also guest performers in the mystery: folklore soloists, dancers and actors.

More information about his event can be found here.