Events

This is a fragmented, visual, and poetic performance that reveals a rarely seen side of the Lithuanian partisan war—the stories of women and their quiet yet pivotal role in the resistance.

The partisan war of 1944–1953 is most often recounted through the stories of the men who fought in the forests, but without the help of women, this movement would have been much more difficult, and perhaps even impossible. The play invites us to view this period through the eyes of women.

On stage, the voices of partisans, songs, Lithuanian folklore, and the language of object theater intertwine. The fragmented dramaturgy reveals the different fates of couriers, nurses, press distributors, lovers, sisters, and daughters. Their daily lives are marked by constant tension, danger, and choices in which there is no safe haven.

These are stories about silence that protects. About waiting that hurts. About love that doesn’t save, but gives meaning.

The motif from the Lithuanian folk tale “The Twelve Brothers Who Turned into Ravens” recurs throughout the play. Just as in the tale, the woman here takes a vow of silence—patiently, through pain, through time. By knitting shirts from nettles, she saves her brothers. Her efforts, patience, and self-sacrifice become a metaphor for the women who quietly but steadfastly supported the brothers of the forest.

“The Juodvarnių Sisters” invites you to view the partisan era from a sensitive, poetic, and rarely seen perspective on stage—through the voices, feelings, and experiences of women, as well as their silence and strength.

Creative Team:

Director – Milda Mičiulytė

Puppet and Movement Director – Eugenijus Slavinskas

Playwright and composer – Ieva Pakštytė

Composer of the background music – Martynas Bialobžeskis

Set Designer – Renata Valčik

Sound Director – Laurynas Milinis 

Actresses – Laima Akstinaitė, Elzbieta Girkantaitė, Vaiva Kvederavičiūtė, Rugilė Latvėnaitė, Ieva Pakštytė, Evelina Šimelionė

Assistant – Gabija Bargailaitė