Theatre is one of the oldest forms of art, yet still attracting thousands of visitors to its venues every day. However, with each new generation, a question arises: will what’s become a tradition survive and be passed on to the future?

We discuss theatre and the younger generation's perspective on this art form with Dr. Asta Petrikiene, a lecturer in Theatre Communication at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), a scientist and researcher at the Lithuanian Culture Research Institute (LCRI).

Theatre - a unique art form

Dr. Petrikiene shares that her interest in this art form began in the early days of the re-emerging Independent Lithuania's theatre – in the 2000’s when Oskaras Korsunovas, Gintaras Varnas, and Eimuntas Nekrosius introduced their early and most famous work. According to her, during this time, it seemed to be one of the most intriguing forms of art, making it a kind of golden age for Lithuanian theatre.

"Theatre is a unique art form. In a play, numerous different art forms come together into a single entity. The communication in it is a special aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual challenge. In this sense, theatre is more complex and, in my opinion, more interesting than other art forms," Dr. Petrikiene explains why theatre was more appealing to her than other arts.
Moreover, theatre is not just a hobby or field of work for this researcher. She usually attends plays twice a week.

"I am a professional audience member. The quality of performance, directorial concept, material form, and innovation are important to me. I am most impressed by those performances where the creators can surprise," says Dr. Petrikiene.

Plays - entertainment for young people too

Dr. Asta Petrikiene has been teaching for a decade, and her subject attracts the attention of many students. According to her, there are three groups of students who choose to attend the "Theatre Communication" class: the first group is those who are interested in and know a lot about theatre, the second one knows little about theatre but find this art form appealing, and the third one thinks of it as an "easy and fun" subject.

"In all cases, after completing this course, students know much more about theatre than before. For me, as a lecturer, it is most enjoyable when a student, who initially was secptical about theatre, eventually becomes fascinated by it. Additionally, by the end of the semester, they not only gain knowledge about the communication of stage arts but also deepen their analytical skills, critical thinking, and refine their discussion as well as self-expression skills. Each cycle of the subject is a shared journey where I teach students, and they teach me. I believe that such an exchange of knowledge and insights is extremely valuable for both parties," adds the lecturer.

Moreover, the researcher debunks the myth that young people are not interested in this art. According to her, theatre attracts people of all ages because of its unique qualities as an art form.

"Every evening when I attend a play, I pay attention to the audience. I can confidently say that both young and experienced spectators attend opera, drama, and other genre performances. I believe that the live interaction with the artistic creation offered by a theatre performance is the reason why both young and experienced viewers choose to spend the evening in theatre. Theatre itself is alive, based on human connection. Such a connection is as crucial today as it was a few thousand years ago when theatre emerged," says VILNIUS TECH lecturer Dr. A. Petrikienė.

The text was prepared by Milda Mockunaite-Vitkiene, the Internal Communications Project Manager at VILNIUS TECH Public Communication Directorate.

Photos by Aleksas Jaunius.