“King Rodger” in Klaipeda – a reflection on life wearing a contemporary suit

The story of the present

King RodGeorge First of all, there is a work that is said to have been created from the need for heart and observing the changes that took place in Europe in the second decade of the 20th century. Composer Karolis Szymanowski and his relative's poet and prose writer Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz He created the opera at a historically difficult time. The idea was born in Jelizavetgrade and Odessa at the end of World War I, immediately after the October Revolution. Certainly inspired by Szymanowski's stories, a joint trip to Sicily and the admiration of local culture. The work was created for several years in a row (premiered only in 1926 in Warsaw), replacing, repairing and rewriting many times.

Olga Pajicznik (Roxana), Leszek Skla (Roger). Photo by K. Mystkowski

To create the protagonist of K. Szymanowski's opera inspired legendary medieval Sicilian ruler the figure. However, this figure is depicted metaphorically and required only to portray certain values. So, in the end, not about the distant past telling but a work that is not subordinate to timewhich solves a person close to a person, despite the problems of the time and the reality he lives in.

“For me King RodGeorge There is a poetic reflection on humanity, ”said Romualdas Wicza-Pokojski, director of Gdansk in Gdansk before the premiere. – Today, the words of the libretto « Dreamed Dream, Turned Chain of Illusions » seem to me most important to me throughout the library. The dream remains dreamed, and what we fill in life, including the rules of courtesy and a variety of rituals, remains an illusion. Perhaps the essence of our lives is to try to break free from this « chain of illusions »? I don't know the answer to this question, nor do I even understand if I want to look for it. However, I will be tempted to express the statement that a person becomes free only at the moment of death. ”

Ryszard Minkiewicz (Edrisi), Leszek Skla (Roger). Photo by K. Mystkowski

The creators of the performance

In the construction of the Baltic Opera, it is especially worth paying attention to the names of young builders. The orchestra is led Yaroslav Shemeta young generation conductor, incredibly talented, highly respected in the music world. In 2024, the conductor found himself among the nominated prestigious International Opera Awards called the Opera Oscars, the rising stars.

The performance was directed Romualdas Wicza-Pokojskiwhich is also the chief director of the Baltic Opera. He is a comprehensive artist – director, playwright, manager and academic lecturer in one person.

He created the scenography for the performance Hanna Wójcikowska-Szymczak; The artist has been cooperating with the Baltic Opera for many years. Her decorations are appreciated by both viewers and theater critics. The artist is also associated with the film industry, and the decorations of the films and series that are involved in the creation are often profitable at film festivals.

Olga Pajicznik (Roxana), Chor ob. Photo by K. Mystkowski

From the fashion world to the opera

King RodGeorge Created and Magdalena Brozda; This young Polish designer lives and works in Geneva, where she also graduated from the University of Art and Design, has collaborated with such advanced fashion houses like AF Vandevorst or Hussein Charayan. M. Brozda has won a prestigious international H&M Design Award 2015 award. Building the Baltic Opera is its debut in the theater world that has said: Cooperation in creating King Roger was awesome. The theater applies to the mixing model of different visions and competences in the future will undoubtedly prevail in the world of fashion. Conversation, exchanges, artistic compromises, listening to others – are, in my opinion, keywords.

Leszek Skla (Król Roger), Ryszard Minkiewicz (Edrisi), Photo by K. Mystkowski

Performance in Klaipeda

Baltic operas King RodGeorge will appear only once – April 5 6:30 p.m. Klaipeda Musical Theater Stage; The Lithuanian theater will play the best music for the Baltic Opera Orchestra and sing first soloists, eg Olga Pajicznikrecognized and rewarded by a soloist many times, Leszek Skla, Andrzej Lamperta comprehensive artist who manifests itself well not only in classical but also in popular music, and Ryszard Minkiewiczwho has repeatedly played a shepherd in major global productions many years ago. Gdansk artists will be accompanied by the Children's Choir of Children of Eduardas Balsys Arts Gymnasium in Klaipėda.

Leszek Skla (Roger), Ryszard Minkiewicz (Edrisi). Photo by K. Mystkowski

Tickets are sold at theater box office and on the website https://klaipedosmuzuikinis.lt/repertuar/karius-rodzeris/;

This event will take place in cooperation with two theaters under the program Inspirational culturewhich aims to popularize the most interesting Polish cultural phenomena abroad.

Partners: Klaipėda State Musical Theater and Polish Institute in Vilnius.

Partially funded by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, under the Program « Inspirational Culture ».

The play is included in the list of events dedicated to the Polish Presidency of the Council.