
Vytautas involved such eminent names as Alexey Dudarev, Honoured Art Worker of the Republic of Belarus and award winner of the State Prize of the USSR. He has been the main instigator of the project, first directed by Valery Raevsky, on the stage of the National Academic Drama Theatre of Yanka Kupala in 1997. Vytautas is the first experience of Dudarev’s co-operation with the Bolshoi Theatre. The libretto has been co-authored by Vladimir Rylatko, Honoured Worker of Culture of Belarus, former Deputy Minister of Culture and now Deputy Director General.



Of course, one purpose of theatre is to help form our national consciousness. We know from history that Prince Vytautas played an important role in creating the powerful independent state of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. During his rule, it blossomed, considerably expanding its borders. Historical chronicles testify that Vytautas was not only strong but wise, reasonable and able to predict situations. As Troyan noted on the eve of the opening night, it’s fascinating to trace the history of Vytautas’ relationship with his cousin Jagailo. According to history, Jagailo became King of Poland, founding the well-known dynasty of Jagiellonian. The two quarrelled, then reconciled; they fought but were able to finally accept a compromise. During the Battle of Grunewald, they fought side by side.
As for genre of the performance, the directors describe it as choreographic legend. Troyan notes that they have used some historical facts to embellish their ideas on how Vytautas’ personality was formed in his younger years. They perceive love as the guiding force: the motivation which dooms us to both happiness and suffering.
The play is also influenced by the pastoral aesthetics of magical Kupala Night: especially evident in the sets. On this night, the most ancient pagan holiday, the world appears beautiful and exciting — full of possibilities. I’ve spent the summer solstice at the Nizhniy Novgorod Region`s well-known Lake Svyatoyar where, according to legend, the city of Kitezh fell into those waters rather than be conquered. Near the lake, people celebrate Kupala Night. I’ll never forget the sharp feeling of being ‘at one’ with nature and the huge pleasure of health, youth and beauty. I recall a tremendous twilight haze, the aroma of various grasses near the lake, with notes of acerose leaves and sycamore. The warmth of the huge bonfire drew us close, while people sang and danced around it in a ring. That magical night is recreated in the first scene of the ballet: gently pastoral, lofty, romantic, and filled with the particular essence of youth. We feel the primordial strength of life awakening us and endowing us with an enthusiastic feeling of unification with the world. Kuznetsov’s music, even in that first scene, moves from the pastoral to the romantic, as Vytautas meets Anna. Next, Yagailo is rejected, introducing an element of menace. Then, with each scene, emotions rise. Music and dance combine, creating tension and passion. We forget that we are watching a story, being completely absorbed by the spectacle.

The tangled plot becomes clear to those who know even a little of the history of their Fatherland, although much in the performance is a fictional interpretation. For others, the programme on sale reveals all.
Is Vytautas a success? Resoun-dingly, we can say yes. As Yuri Troyan notes, the performance has no choreographic extravagance, being sincere in its expression. I feel that the choreography is strong, being staged in the best traditions of the classical Soviet age of ballet. Troyan undoubtedly demands high technical and artistic skills from his dancers, with three crews engaged; we cannot help but respect their efforts. Physically and mentally, they give their all, dancing to the point of exhaustion. Many already boast titles of honoured artists of Belarus and have won prizes at international competitions. Some have received the Francysk Skaryna medal while others are still young, yet to gain professional acclaim. We can only wish them, and the show, the greatest of all success!
By Valentina Zhdanovich