The dance performance - tour of interwar Žaliakalnis - is a performative event that directly involves young and professional artists from the Žaliakalnis community, introducing the living memory and history of the inhabitants of Žaliakalnis. It is a joint project of the dance company ULNA and Kaunas - European Capital of Culture 2022, a cross-section of the cell of Kaunas - Žaliakalnis - revealing its beauty through aesthetic means, historical and documentary methods.
The tour will start from the legendary Kaukas Staircase, a symbol of interwar Kaunas. According to architectural historian J. Kančienė, it was the most beautiful staircase in Lithuania between the wars. Legend has it that Kaukas, the hero of Lithuanian myths, was a small man who reigned here. On this journey, through dance, theatre and music, the audience will be introduced to the inter-war issues of Žaliakalnis and will see what the neighbourhood looks like today, experiencing its vibrancy.
The project is unique in that the viewer not only watches the visual staging of the work, but also becomes an immersive participant through headphones. The voices and stories of the actors, blended with music, will transport the participants to another space, immersing them in a step-by-step journey through time - from the interwar period to the present day.
About the artist:
ULNA Dance Company
Founded in 2020 by choreographer Indrė Puišytė Šidlauskienė, ULNA Dance Company is an open space for creation and education, for the interaction of various cultural and artistic disciplines, and a platform for artistic initiatives of young choreographers.
The company creates performances for the stage, organises public performances in various spaces, engages in dance education, collaborates with non-governmental organisations, and maintains contacts with various age and social groups. ULNA pays special attention to the inclusion of people with disabilities in dance through educational and creative activities.
ULNA initiates and, together with its partners, carries out various social and educational dance projects throughout Lithuania.
Idea and Director: Indrė Puišytė–Šidlauskienė.
Choreography: Indrė Puišytė–Šidlauskienė and dancers.
Playwright: Lina Laura Švedaitė.
Composer, sound director: Kristijonas Lučinskas.
Scenographer: Simonas Šidlauskas and Students of Kaunas Art Gymnasium.
Costume Designer: Radvilė Kisieliūtė and Students of Kaunas College of Arts.
Mask costumes made: Aistė Ramunaitė and Rita Kazokaitė.
Duration: 1 val. 40 min.
Maximum participants: 65
