R. Rastauskas, known by the nickname RoRa, was born in 1954. October 13 in Vilnius. in 1978 graduated in English philology from Vilnius University (VU). 1978-1986 worked at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theater, taught at VU, since 1986 taught at Klaipėda University.
In 2016-2017, he worked at the Lithuanian National Drama Theater, according to the Universal Lithuanian Encyclopedia.
1989-1990 was “Atgimimo”, 1993-2003. – “Lietuvos ryto”, 2003-2004 Akiračių (Chicago, USA) and since 2005 “Business Class” columnist.
in 1990 R. Rastauskas became a member of the Lithuanian Writers’ Union.
The writer made his debut in 1987, after publishing the collection of poems “Album”. Two years later, the book of plays “The Kite Race; Talmantas Žuvėdra” (1989).
Later, two more books of poems were published: Lament of the Sloth (1992) and Actor Retires (1996). in 2011 The book of theatrical stories “Bermuda Triangle” was published.
In 2006 together with the percussionist, avant-garde artist Arkadius Gotesmans. prepared a book of poems and a CD called “Metimas”. Together, they organized performative poetry readings for many years.
In the field of Lithuanian literature, he is considered one of the most prominent creators and teachers of the essay genre. in 2004 his first book of essays “Kitas pasaulis” reached readers, followed by the second collection “Privati territoria” (2009) and “The Third Volume” (2015).
In 2021, the writer published a prose book “Venice Live”.
At the beginning of this year, his collection “Vkianti bronza” appeared, which publishes travel essays covering the period 1993-2023.
Presenting this book at the Vilnius Book Fair, R. Rastauskas said that essay writing is imagined as a border zone – something between fiction and documentary, between philosophy and journalism. However, he himself was happy that while writing these texts for newspapers and magazines, he ended up writing more than one book.
“Just imagine: Mrs. M knocks on your door with a scythe over her shoulder, but you’re not there. Furniture, servants, works of art answer that the gentleman is traveling in an unknown direction,” said R. Rastauskas, making the large audience laugh.
October 13 of this year. the writer would have turned 70 years old.
R. Rastauskas was awarded the I. Simonaitytė Literary Prize, the Literature Prize of the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore (both in 2006), the Lithuanian National Prize (2010), the Jotvingių Prize (2015), the Knight’s Cross of the Order “For Services to Lithuania” ( 2015).
Critics draw attention to the unique style of R. Rastauskas, his sense of language and his extensive knowledge of world culture.
The TV movie “Vaikštūnas RoRa” (2006, director Juozas Javaitis) was created about the writer.
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#great #loss #Lithuania #writer #Rolandas #Rastauskas #died #Culture
2024-09-06 02:10:16
R. Rastauskas: A Literary Luminary in Lithuanian Culture
Table of Contents
Introduction
R. Rastauskas, affectionately known as RoRa, is a distinguished figure in the landscape of Lithuanian literature. Born on October 13, 1954, in Vilnius, Rastauskas has carved a niche for himself not only as a writer but also as an educator and columnist. With a career spanning decades, he has contributed significantly to poetry, theatre, and essays, earning accolades and respect in both national and international literary circles.
Early Life and Education
R. Rastauskas graduated from Vilnius University in 1978, where he earned a degree in English philology. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in literature and language. After graduation, Rastauskas spent eight years (1978-1986) working at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theater. During this time, he also taught at Vilnius University, playing an instrumental role in nurturing the talents of future generations.
A Journey Through the Arts
In 1986, Rastauskas transitioned to Klaipėda University, where he continued to impart knowledge and inspire students for many years. His involvement in the arts did not stop there; he contributed to the Lithuanian National Drama Theater between 2016 and 2017, solidifying his reputation in various artistic domains.
Throughout his career, Rastauskas has held several prominent positions in the literary world, including being a columnist for major publications such as “Atgimimo,” “Lietuvos ryto,” and ”Business Class.”
Literary Contributions
Poetic Beginnings
Rastauskas made his literary debut in 1987 with the poetry collection “Album.” His unique voice quickly gained traction, leading to subsequent publications, including the play “The Kite Race; Talmantas Žuvėdra” in 1989. His poetry collections, “Lament of the Sloth” (1992) and “Actor Retires” (1996), further showcased his remarkable talent.
In 2011, Rastauskas ventured into the realm of theatrical storytelling with “Bermuda Triangle,” blending his passions for theatre and literature. His collaboration with avant-garde percussionist Arkadius Gotesmans on the 2006 book of poems and CD titled “Metimas” marked a unique fusion of visual and auditory art forms, demonstrating his innovative approach to poetry.
The Essayist
Rastauskas is regarded as a prominent creator and educator in the essay genre within Lithuanian literature. His first essay collection, “Kitas pasaulis” (2004), was followed by “Privati territoria” (2009) and “The Third Volume” (2015). These works reflect his profound insights and observations, underpinned by a strong grasp of philosophy and documentary-style writing.
In 2021, he published “Venice Live,” a prose book that further establishes his literary skills. Most recently, in early 2023, Rastauskas released “Vkianti bronza,” a collection of travel essays chronicling his experiences from 1993 to 2023. He describes essay writing as a space that exists “between fiction and documentary, between philosophy and journalism,” showcasing his versatility as a writer.
Awards and Recognition
R. Rastauskas has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including the I. Simonaitytė Literary Prize and the Literature Prize of the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore in 2006. He was honored with the Lithuanian National Prize in 2010, the Jotvingių Prize in 2015, and the Knight’s Cross of the Order “For Services to Lithuania” in the same year. Critics laud his unique style, linguistic prowess, and in-depth understanding of global culture, solidifying his status as one of Lithuania’s literary giants.
Cultural Impact and Notable Works
Rastauskas’s influence extends beyond the pages of his books. In 2006, a television film titled “Vaikštūnas RoRa,” directed by Juozas Javaitis, was created to highlight his life and contributions to literature. His engaging storytelling, humor, and insightful commentary resonate with audiences, making his work accessible and relevant.
Conclusion
As R. Rastauskas reached the milestone of his 70th birthday on October 13, 2023, the literary community reflected on his significant contributions to both Lithuanian culture and the broader artistic landscape. Through his poetry, plays, essays, and teachings, Rastauskas continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers alike. Whether wandering through the realms of fiction and reality or exploring the intricacies of the human experience, RoRa’s literary journey remains a testament to his artistic vision and passion for storytelling.
For those looking to explore R. Rastauskas’s work further, you can find more information and delve into his published collections to appreciate his unique storytelling style.
