Musical drama “Emilija”

A brave, emancipated rebel or a fragile girl who endured great losses, driven into battle by desperation? At the very least, she was an opinion leader of her time, an orator who managed to convince skeptics that she could lead the resistance. Who is this girl who defies stereotypes and inspires courage not only in women but also in men?

Countess Emilija Pliaterytė—the first female captain in the 1830–1831 Polish-Lithuanian uprising—stood against the Russian Empire. Could anyone have imagined that she would be portrayed by the well-known performer and Eurovision finalist Monika Liu? According to the singer, the audience will see her in an entirely unexpected role. This project promises an intriguing experience and will surprise even Monika Liu’s most devoted fans.

“Acting in theater has always been my dream, but I never asked myself what kind of musical I would like to be in or what character I would want to play. I can’t imagine anything better than receiving a role like this—Emilija is an extraordinary, real historical figure. It’s very meaningful, and with it comes great responsibility. Emilija Pliaterytė is undoubtedly one of the great heroes of our history. Now I fully understand what I’ve gotten myself into, and I’m truly happy and grateful for it,” says Monika Liu, the lead actress of the upcoming musical drama “Emilija”.

Musical drama “Emilija” is an ambitious project by the state ensemble “Lietuva”, set to premiere this fall on the country’s largest stages: in 2024 October 25 at Vilnius Twinsbet Arena, November 8 at Klaipėda Švyturys Arena, November 15 at Panevėžys Kalnapilis Arena, November 22 at Šiauliai Arena, November 26 at Kaunas Žalgiris Arena. Alongside Monika Liu, the production will feature other renowned guest actors and performers, including Mantas Zemleckas, Jovita Jankelaitytė, Andrius Kaniava, Tadas Girininkas, Žygimantas Galinis, and others.

“Emilija Pliaterytė is a 19th-century hero, and we talk too little about our heroes. I often wondered why our country developed so rapidly, and I believe it was because of remarkable individuals—from Vytautas the Great to Emilija. According to history, they took bold steps and overcame challenges with faith. But who are today’s heroes? Will we have heroes of the 21st century, and who will they be?” reflects the play’s director, Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas, who previously directed the collage opera “Mažvydas” with the “Lietuva” ensemble.

“Emilija” is a musical-historical drama—a tribute to our land’s Joan of Arc—proving that even a seemingly fragile individual can play a pivotal role in the fight for freedom, for ideas, and for their country. It is a symbolic commemoration of a war heroine of both nations, as historians recognize Emilija Pliaterytė (polish: Emilia Plater) as a hero to both Lithuanians and Poles.

The storyline of the musical drama is based on true events, delving into the internal struggles of a young woman torn between love for her people, a man, her mother, and her father. A reserved character who grew up in the shadow of her parents’ constant conflicts, Emilija Pliaterytė longed for freedom from a young age. She was dissatisfied with the role of women in the family and society at the time—she did not want to be merely a man’s dependent “guardian of the hearth.” Instead, she learned to shoot, fight with swords, and became an excellent horse rider. Upon learning of the uprising in Poland, Emilija disguised herself in men’s clothing, cut her hair, and joined the rebels to overthrow the Tsarist regime. Thus, the legend of Emilia Plater was born.

The historical events will be portrayed using contemporary stage art solutions—including scenography, costumes, dance, and music. No fewer than four composers—Jievaras Jasinskis, Jonas Jurkūnas, Gintautas Venislovas, and Rytas Svilainis—are creating the music for the performance, incorporating national instruments, strings, and electronic elements.

The state ensemble “Lietuva” continues its campaign “Strengthening the muscle of unity” and invites audiences to unite through a shared history. A history that is revived through the depiction of great personalities on the musical theater stage.

Project partner – “Artis Totus”. Informational partner – LRT. Partially funded by The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania & The Ministry of National Defense.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Director: Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas
Composers: Jievaras Jasinskis, Jonas Jurkūnas, Rytas Svilainis, Gintautas Venislovas
Chief Conductor: Egidijus Kaveckas
Script & Libretto author: Sandra Bernotaitė
Set Designer: Gintaras Makarevičius
Costume Designer: Olga Filatova Kontrimienė
Choreographer: Aušra Krasauskaitė
Assistant Director: Giedrė Kriaučionytė-Vosylienė
Video Projection Designers: Lukas Miceika, Vaclovas Nevčesauskas
Lighting Designer: Eugenijus Sabaliauskas
Sound Designer: Tomas Ždanavičius

CAST:

Emilija Pliaterytė: Monika Liu
Emilija’s Cousin, Cezaris Plateris: Mantas Zemleckas
Adjutant Marija Prušinskaitė: Jovita Jankelaitytė
Emilija’s Mother, Ana von Mol: Ilona Pliavgo
Russian General Mikhail Kablukov: Tadas Girininkas
Cossack Leader Verzulin: Žygimantas Galinis
Poet: Andrius Kaniava
Emilija’s Cousin, Mykolas Plateris: Donatas Kaikaris
Priest: Vaidas Bartušas / Paulius Klangauskas
Emilija’s Father, Pranciškus Ksaveras Broel-Plateris: Zenius Sakalauskas

PERFORMERS:

The state ensemble “Lietuva” and guest musicians: the chamber string instrument ensemble (led by Ingrida Raupaitė) and the brass ensemble “Sonum Brass Ensemble” (led by Sergijus Kirsenka).