On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced on the Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre’s Facebook page that all performances of Aleksandr Shpilevoy’s famous play “Macbeth” are canceled. Although its premiere took place in 2024, the play was still drawing full houses, with all tickets sold out.
Read more What they haven’t bought or tasted: municipal company employee Vanagė wasted huge amounts
As actor Tadas Gryn told the portal Žmonės.lt, he left his full-time job at the Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre in July but wanted to continue acting in the plays by simply changing the employment model. However, he was unable to reach an agreement on a new contract with the management – he said he did not see any desire from the theatre leadership to keep the performances going.
Standing by her beloved, singer J. Arlauskaitė-Jazzu commented to Žmonės.lt that the decision to cancel the play is simply pathetic.
“It shocks and hurts. Everything is like under a magnifying glass – all the theatre’s problems are visible as if on the palm of your hand. Rotten manifestations of socialist realism, disrespect for the artist and creator, power displays, mockery. This is simply beyond evaluation,” she told the portal Žmonės.lt.
The singer claims that Tadas is still looking for ways to continue negotiations about the play’s continuation.
“Tadas repeats that he is open to communication and negotiations. There is a way out – the theatre takes responsibility, compensates the actors for damages, those who must – resign and stop tarnishing the name of this wonderful theatre. This conflict is no longer just between one actor and the theatre; it is a problem of the state and all of our attitudes towards culture.
I think questions must not only be raised but also resolved. I would start with work ethics and actors’ fees,” she shared about the solution to the situation.
It hurt her deeply too
As Justė says, the news about the canceled play deeply affected Tadas himself – according to her, he had never faced such a situation before.
“Tadas is a person who loves his work immensely. He is completely devoted to his mission, and I learn endless things from him every day about love for one’s profession – it was extremely painful for him.
Read more Survey: 60 percent of Ukrainians oppose the transfer of Donbas to Russia
We just stood in shock facing each other, it was hard to say anything – neither of us has ever encountered such a situation in stage practice. Tadas is an intellectual – both in a human and spiritual sense. He sincerely cares about other people, colleagues, the audience, and “Macbeth” is one of his essential life roles, so he really experiences everything deeply, although he remains strong. I respect him for the courage to speak out – many colleagues are simply afraid,” the singer revealed.
The situation left unpleasant emotions not only for the couple but also for their close circle of people and artists. And although she previously said she had decided not to comment, in this case, she feels she simply cannot remain silent.
“All aspects are absolutely striking – from disrespect for actors and treating them like slaves to drastic, unilateral decision-making, public lies… The situation is multifaceted. And the fundamental thing that no one understands – all the performances are sold out, so what kind of fool do you have to be to cancel them? Ego, just ego.
Negotiations, not ultimatums, resolve situations. Maybe the theatre forgot what communication means,” she said to Žmonės.lt, not hiding her feelings.
Although Justė herself has not had to deal with the theatre director, she says she personally experiences every emotion of her husband. And the situation has also affected her sensitively.
“The situation is both an emotional background and financial losses, time planning… Our family is currently going through a sensitive period, so this hurts a lot. Another topic will definitely be about compensation for damages. If someone expects this topic to just end, it won’t. Until it is resolved, it won’t end,” J. Arlauskaitė stated.
She says she has also encountered disrespectful people trying to humiliate or sway her to their side during her career path.
“There have been people who supposedly know my worth better, count my money… But I have never let anyone step on me. But basically, there were always negotiations, or not. I tend to resolve everything seeking absolute justice – whether it is a discussion in the public space or a legal path. I have had so many people wanting to harm me that nothing surprises me anymore.
I am not afraid of anything anymore – I am preparing a case against a person who persecuted me for years and, after creating a narrative about me and my family, blackmailed and extorted. I would like to talk about new music, the importance of art, and beautiful things, or not talk at all and live quietly closed off. But there are questions that cannot be forgotten, that are important and must be heard widely. Believe me, we would very much like the focus to be elsewhere. But I will never let anyone step on me or my family again,” Justė said.
Read more Lithuanians set out for the famous Cologne brothel – the first visit ended in a complete fiasco
