A new literary project “Salty Words” invites to deepen this tradition, so that acquaintance with contemporary Lithuanian literature takes place not only during the festival, but becomes a permanent part of the city’s cultural life. The project aims to present prominent contemporary authors and commemorate creators important to the country’s literary tradition. “Salty Words” seeks to create an open space for meetings with authors, discussions and contemporary Lithuanian literature for Druskininkai residents and resort guests, which increasingly abandons modesty, usual conventions and invites more open discussions
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“Salty Words”: between memory and provocation
The author of the idea, writer Lina Simutytė, states: “The project name was chosen not by chance – it is related not only to the city’s (Druskininkai) name, but also to the symbolism of salt. Salty words are words that are not always pleasant to hear. They can be sharp, uncomfortable, making you doubt, argue, or even change your perspective. Such literature is not afraid to raise uncomfortable questions, seek new forms of expression, and strive for open dialogue.”
The project currently consists of three literary events that will take place in Druskininkai’s cultural space “Lelija”.
On July 24, at 5 p.m., the first evening of the “Salty Words” project, “Verdenė and Šamanas”, dedicated to commemorating poets Nijolė Miliauskaitė and Vytautas P. Bložė, whose lives and works are inseparable from Druskininkai, will take place. During the event, actors Vesta Šumilovaitė-Tertelienė and Justas Tertelis will present the poetic performance “Beliefs” based on the verses of Nijolė Miliauskaitė and Vytautas P. Bložė.
The actors preparing for the evening say: “During that hour, we would like to get closer to the unique and sensitive world of these two creators – their perception of nature, their attentiveness to words, relationships, to each other and to each other’s work. Together, we will invite you to hear the memories of contemporaries, poets and writers about this exceptional creative couple. And if we dare, we will also share our own encounters with their work and the poets themselves.”
After the readings, the microphone will be handed over to those who knew the poets – visited their homes, invited them as guests, walked together through the streets and pine forests of Druskininkai, or simply remember stories they want to tell.
At the end of the evening, two documentary films by Vytautas V. Landsbergis will be shown – “Verdenė” (2004) and “Švendubrės šamanas” (2001). The films will be presented by art critic Aušra Česnulevičienė.
August 20, 6 p.m. – “Salty Words. Sticky Bodies”
The second evening will be dedicated to the presentation of the latest poetry book “Sticky Bodies” (publisher “Kitos knygos”, 2026) by sociologist, cultural researcher and poet Artūras Tereškinas. The event is for adults.
About the book, poet Mantas Balakauskas writes: “”Sticky Bodies” consists of four chapters, where the desire and longing for intimacy through physicality and almost everything related to it emerge in one way or another. It speaks openly and without any compromises. Even in 2026. To speak like this in Lithuania requires a lot of courage.””
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September 18, 8 p.m. – “Salty Words. Hotel of Blue Hours × World”
On the third evening of the cycle, poet Nerijus Cibulskas will present his fifth poetry book “Hotel of Blue Hours”, and the poems will be accompanied by experimental improvisations by the musical duo “Pasaulis”.
As the performers themselves introduce, “Pasaulis” (World) is an experiment, an auditory event without a precise definition. Its sounds bring together live “sampled” radio broadcasts, sounds discovered in the process of media archaeology, field recordings, and random melodic musings.
“Hotel of Blue Hours” (publisher “Baziliskas”, 2025) is Nerijus Cibulskas’s fifth poetry book, distinguished by its conceptualism and boundless imagination. The author abandons his usual poetic intonations and creates a dreamlike, surreal world where a fragmented narrative, unusual imagery reminiscent of Latin America, and unexpected polyphonies of voices intertwine.
Poet, translator, and literary critic Marius Burokas writes about the book: “We have somewhat forgotten that poetry can create worlds, not just react to reality or delve into the human soul – and this book reminds us of that.””
Creators Not Afraid to Cross Boundaries
“The authors of the project were also chosen not by chance. Nijolė Miliauskaitė and Vytautas P. Bložė are poets whose lives and works are closely connected with Druskininkai, and who, in their time, stood out with their unique worldview and even life choices. At a time when interest in Eastern culture and its philosophy was still a rather unusual phenomenon, the poets sought and explored different spiritual and creative experiences, choosing to build their homes not in a big city, but in a more remote area – first in Druskininkai, and later in the village of Švendubrė.
Artūras Tereškinas joins the project as an author who boldly explores human identity, physicality, intimacy, and topics often silenced in society in his work. His poetry raises questions about how we talk about ourselves and others, what boundaries we draw, and how we cross them.
Nerijus Cibulskas reveals himself in this project as an author who dares to surprise his readers – in his new book, he moves away from the characteristics of his previous work and creates a different poetic space, based on freer, unexpected language and themes.” – Lina Simutytė.
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All project events are free of charge.
Druskininkai cultural space “Lelija”: Kudirkos 39, Druskininkai.
