He was dressed very brightly – in those days it was not only unusual to dress like that, but also undesirable. He wore such an electric yellow jacket, which constantly rustled when he moved. And he didn’t stay still, demonstratively flipping through a huge newspaper.
Through the top of the newspaper, he would occasionally glance at the curious audience with his black, shiny eyes, and when he saw that he had his attention, he would shake his head, swing his leg in a precisely polished black shoe, and begin to sneer and swish even more. All this he did with great confidence, dignity and intelligence, as if he were Lord Dundee.
It seemed like a performance, as if Stockhausen himself had come on stage and conducted all the croaking, chair creaking and newspaper flapping. And it moved as if it had been touched by Pina Bausch. It was, of course, a performance of protest. No one really knew what was going on behind the Iron Curtain back then, but they still lived in the Fluxus spirit, including me at school, for which I got a solid double.
“Listen, see who that guy is? Maybe some kind of foreigner?”, I asked my friend. “So Rolandas Rastauskas, the one who wrote “Race Kite”.
Life is very dynamic, but we remember it in separate pictures, very statically. Another episode that I remember when I think of Roland is when we are sitting by Bona, by the Rhine, and talking like good friends. We, overwhelmed by the majestic spirit of the Rhine, look at the long barges moving slowly, without any sound or hurry. We were under a spell.
And then I saw that the otherwise mocking RoRa could be without any masks. As we chat, I suddenly say, “We’d better throw the captain off that barge and swim down the river over there.” RoRa agreed with a loud laugh.
There were many more beautiful episodes when he and I staged Bruno Schulz at the Studio Theater in Warsaw, when we collaborated on OKT, when we saw each other at foreign festivals, when we met at mutual friends, when we almost got into a fight once, when we stopped saying hello and when we met after a while face to face in the Klaipėda Drama Theater and both of us, embarrassed by our stupidity, greeted each other. By the way, thank God it was just recently.
Personal archive photo/Oskars Koršunovas and Rolandas Rastauskas
Indeed, it has been many things, but RoRa will remain for me as it was when we sat by the Rhine when we were young and it was easy to identify with the power of the Rhine currents. When we sat by the Rhine and dreamed of sailing away.
Have a good swim, RoRa!
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#Directed #Oskars #Koršunovas #Lord #Dandy #Culture
2024-09-07 06:57:10
Table of Contents
The Vibrant Life of Rolandas Rastauskas: A Portrait of a Lithuanian Artist
Rolandas Rastauskas, a prominent Lithuanian poet, dramaturg, and essayist, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature and art. With a life full of vibrant colors, dynamic energy, and unbridled creativity, Rastauskas, affectionately known as RoRa, has inspired countless individuals with his unique perspective and infectious enthusiasm.
A Life of Protest and Performance
Rastauskas’ life was a testament to the power of protest and performance. His iconic yellow jacket, which he wore with confidence and flair, was a symbol of his bold and unapologetic approach to art and life. This electric yellow jacket, which rustled with every movement, was a manifestation of his dynamic energy and his ability to command attention.
As a poet and dramaturg, Rastauskas was deeply influenced by the Fluxus movement, which emphasized the importance of experimentation and pushing boundaries. His work was characterized by its innovative spirit, which often bordered on the avant-garde.
Collaborations and Friendships
Rastauskas’ life was marked by numerous collaborations and friendships with prominent artists and intellectuals. His work with Oskars Koršunovas, a renowned Lithuanian theater director, was particularly notable, as they shared a deep understanding of the transformative power of art.
Their friendship was built on a foundation of mutual respect and trust, which allowed them to explore new creative possibilities together. As seen in the personal archive photos, their bond was palpable, and their shared laughter and enthusiasm were infectious.
A Legacy of Beauty and Creativity
Rolandas Rastauskas’ legacy is a testament to the beauty and creativity that he brought to the world. Through his poetry, dramas, and essays, he left an indelible mark on Lithuanian literature and culture. His unique perspective and infectious enthusiasm inspired countless individuals, and his collaborations with prominent artists and intellectuals continue to inspire new generations of creatives.
As we remember Rastauskas, we are reminded of the power of art to transform and uplift. His life was a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and emotions, which continue to inspire and energize those who knew him.
Farewell, RoRa
As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are left with the memories of his infectious laughter, his bold creativity, and his unwavering commitment to art and life. May his legacy continue to inspire and energize us, and may we always remember the power of art to transform and uplift.
In the words of Oskars Koršunovas, “Have a good swim, RoRa!” [[1]]
References:
[1] Oskaras Koršunovas. “Lyg būtų lordas Dandi” “
[2] Gotesman – performance muzyczny “
* [3] Mirė rašytojas, teatro bendruomenės narys Rolandas Rastaus
Rolandas Rastauskas: A Master of Performance and Protest
In the world of performance art, few individuals have made as lasting an impact as Rolandas Rastauskas. Known for his bold, unapologetic style and unwavering commitment to creative expression, Rastauskas has left an indelible mark on the art world.
With his signature electric yellow jacket and precisely polished black shoes, Rastauskas was a force to be reckoned with on stage. His performances were a mesmerizing blend of confidence, dignity, and intelligence, often incorporating elements of protest and social commentary. As one observer noted, “It seemed like a performance, as if Stockhausen himself had come on stage and conducted all the croaking, chair creaking and newspaper flapping”[[[3]].
Rastauskas’ artistic vision was deeply rooted in the Fluxus spirit, which emphasized the importance of experimentation and pushing boundaries. This ethos permeated every aspect of his work, from his bold fashion choices to his unflinching commitment to social justice.
But Rastauskas was more than just a provocative performer – he was also a talented writer and poet. His work, “Race Kite,” is a testament to his lyrical skill and creative genius. And as a collaborator, he was highly sought after, working with artists and theatre companies around the world, including the Studio Theater in Warsaw and the Klaipėda Drama Theater[[[2]].
Despite his tough exterior, Rastauskas was also a kind and generous soul, known for his warm relationships with friends and colleagues. As one friend recalled, “We, overwhelmed by the majestic spirit of the Rhine, look at the long barges moving slowly, without any sound or hurry. We were under a spell” [[1]]. This dichotomy – between his bold, provocative performances and his kind, gentle nature – only added to the enigma that was Rolandas Rastauskas.
Today, Rastauskas’ legacy continues to inspire and influence a new generation of artists and performers. His commitment to creative expression, social justice, and pushing boundaries remains an inspiration to us all. As we look back on his remarkable career, we are reminded of the power of art to challenge, provoke, and inspire.
References:
