“Couples Therapy” Tour Captivates Lithuania, Selling Out Shows Across the Nation
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A new comedy, “Couples therapy,” is experiencing remarkable success on its tour of Lithuania, with performances consistently selling out, including its Wednesday engagement in Kaunas. The production, written and directed by Tadas Vidmantas, is resonating with audiences and garnering praise from both cast and critics.
A Unique Creative Process
Vidmantas, known for his record-breaking film comedies, shared his reflections on the production process. “For now, I say that I would not repeat this process, but I have a suspicion that after a few weeks, I will change my mind,” he admitted. He explained that together writing and directing allowed for a streamlined approach, minimizing the usual back-and-forth between creator and cast. This efficiency was particularly noted by the actors.
Cast Reflections on Success
Gintarė Glemžaitė-Stonkė, who plays Eglė, highlighted the unusual calmness during rehearsals, a stark contrast to the typical pre-premiere stress. She received the “ės” award. “Since the beginning of the rehearsals, this project has been accompanied by suspicious calmness. Usually, we are very nervous and stressed before the premiere, but here there is nothing like that,” she explained. She attributed this to Vidmantas’s dual role, emphasizing the clarity that comes when the creator understands the final vision from the outset. “He already knows when writing how everything should look on stage, no time is wasted on improvements or huge changes,” Glemžaitė-Stonkė added, highlighting the efficiency of this approach. She believes the play’s success stems from its relatable themes, stating, “we can feel that the story of this comedy is about all of us, from all of our lives.”
A Standing Ovation and a Bold Decision
Actor J. Jankevičius recounted a standing ovation in Alytus as confirmation of the play’s impact. He revealed he initially hesitated to accept the role, adhering to a long-held principle of not instantly committing to offers. Though, he quickly reversed his decision.”Just a minute and a half later, I called the organizers back and said that I would play. Because I knew that otherwise I would regret it very much later,” Jankevičius shared. He now feels his intuition was correct.
Returning to the Stage
Veteran actor V.Kaniušonis, affectionately dubbed the “icing on the cake” of the ensemble, expressed his joy at returning to the theater. While acknowledging the need for continued work – albeit on the tour bus – he emphasized his fondness for the stage. “Recently, I have been spending more time on film sets, so this project is very dear to my heart. I missed the theater,the work here is a bit more fragile and delicate,” Kaniušonis said. He particularly enjoyed portraying his character,an extravagant psychotherapist,and witnessing the audience’s reaction.
A Story of Love, Truth, and Absurdity
“Couples Therapy” centers on Eglė (G. Glemžaitė-Stonkė), a young mother seeking to revitalize her marriage with Marčius (J. Jankevičius). She enlists the help of Algimantas (V. Kaniušonis), a psychologist known for his unconventional methods. The play explores the complexities of modern relationships, where laughter intertwines with painful truths, and love frequently enough hides beneath layers of anger and resentment. The creators promise a performance filled with absurd situations designed to provoke both laughter and introspection. The play ultimately asks if this couple can dare to truly hear each other and save their relationship.
Upcoming Performances
The tour continues with the following dates:
- January 21 – Kaunas, Culture Center “Girstutis”
- January 22 – Šiauliai, Concert Hall “Saulė”
- January 27 – Vilkaviškis Cultural Center
- January 28 – Jurbarkas Culture Center
- February 4 – Marijampole Cultural Center
- February 5 – Ukmergė Cultural Center
Tickets and a complete list of performances are available at Nesipykim.lt.
