Events

A stage adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s novella “The Kreutzer Sonata”

Some consider Leo Tolstoy’s novella *The Kreutzer Sonata* to be his finest work, while others, on the contrary, take issue with the ideas expressed in it. This scandalous work intertwines passionate love, jealousy, and social criticism.

A conversation begins on the train about love, the status of women, family conflicts, and violence. After remaining silent for a long time, the fellow passenger opens up about his unhappy marriage. He married a much younger woman who captivated him with her youthful beauty and innocence. They had five children. However, the man is disillusioned with love and marriage, as their relationship is marked by frequent quarrels, arguments, and discord. He admits that, overcome by jealousy and hatred because of his wife’s close friendship and musical collaboration with a violinist, he kills her.

The confession of a man who murdered his wife is recounted by the classic Russian author Leo Tolstoy in his novella *The Kreutzer Sonata*. Straddling the line between feminism and misogyny, the author touches on several relevant themes: family relationships, gender equality, love, passion, and violence. Due to the ideas it presents about marriage and family values, the novella caused an international scandal—it was banned in both Russia and the United States.

“Kreicerio Sonata,” which explores human relationships, love, sex, jealousy, and paranoia, is being revived on the stage of the Klaipėda Youth Theater. The story depicts the conflict between sexual desire and moral constraints, raising questions that are often left unspoken—questions that people are unwilling or unable to answer.

Playwright/Director: Valentinas Masalskis

Cast: Simonas Lunevičius, Vaiva Kvedaravičiūtė

Set Designer: Renata Valčik

Lighting Designer: Julius Kuršys

Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Age Restriction: 18+ (NO CHILDREN ALLOWED)

Latecomers will not be admitted to the performance!

https://kjt.lt/lt/kreicerio-sonata-2021

The production of the play was partially funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture