The Regional Studies and Documents Department of the Anykščiai L. and S. Didžiūriai Public Library will host a literary exhibition "Kazys Inčiūra: Stage Man and Writer" from October 1 to November 12, dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the birth of the writer, poet, playwright, actor and translator Kazys Inčiūra.

The exhibition invites visitors to get to know the multifaceted personality of the creator of the Anykščiai region and his creative legacy. The exhibition features books published by K. Inčiūra, articles in periodicals dedicated to his life and work, photographs and other information material that reveal the rich and diverse life path of the creator.

A countryman whose life was a combination of literature, theater, and music

120 years ago, on September 25 (October 8 according to the new calendar), Kazys Inčiūra was born in the Vidugiriai homestead, Troškūnai rural municipality, present-day Anykščiai district. Kazys Inčiūra was a poet, playwright, prose writer, actor, translator, opera librettist and radio announcer. K. Inčiūra was one of the most versatile figures in Lithuanian culture of the 20th century. Literature, theatre, radio and music were closely intertwined in his life and work. Since the 1920s, he has been actively writing, acting on stage, creating dramaturgy, translating works by foreign authors, and writing opera libretti and song lyrics.

Having begun his creative path in the young independent Lithuania, K. Inčiūra collaborated in the press, wrote poems, short stories, plays, novels, theater reviews, and public articles.

He studied Lithuanian language and literature at Vytautas Magnus University, later graduated from the State Theatre School of Acting and chose the path of an actor. He worked as an announcer for Kaunas and Vilnius radio stations, and created more than 30 roles in Vilnius theatres.

However, the creator's life was not easy. K. Inčiūra was arrested and sentenced to 25 years in prison. The sentence was reduced and the conviction was overturned in 1956. After returning to Lithuania, he again engaged in creative activity. K. Inčiūra died in 1974 in Vilnius. He is buried in the Antakalnis cemetery.

„"He was a poet of lofty and resonant words..."“

Kazys Inčiūra's work is marked by patriotic motifs, love for his native land, nature, and people. His works are characterized by national romanticism, lyricism, musicality, and legendary motifs.

The writer and his work were described by the poet Eugenijus Matuzevičius: "He was a poet of lofty and sonorous words, whose heart was filled with a true great love for poetry, theatrical art, goodness and beauty, his native land, the origins of our spiritual culture."„

These words aptly describe a creator whose life involved literature in a way that was not separated from other areas of art. K. Inčiūra was not only a writer, but also a stage person, radio worker, translator, playwright, and creator who felt a close connection between literature and music.

Poet

There is a lot of light, nature, love for the native land and people in Kazys Inčiūra's poetry. Nature in his lyrics becomes not only a picture of the environment, but also a reflection of the inner world of a person. The poet's word is sensitive and musical, full of longing, but at the same time preserving faith in life and light.

The poem "The Dead Bird" evokes a strong connection with the native land and the expectation of freedom:

„"I'm staying here - with the sun and the wind, and that sky is so blue - without limits."“

K. Inčiūra's poetic world grows out of a close relationship with nature, the homeland, man, and the spiritual experience of the nation. His poems reveal not only personal experiences, but also a broader historical and cultural sensitivity.

Stage person

Kazys Inčiūra was also a talented actor and theatre creator. After graduating from the State Theatre Acting School, he chose the path of a stage artist and created more than 30 roles in Vilnius theatres. His stage work includes various characters and dramaturgy from different periods. Among the most prominent roles are Don Carlo, Cleanthes, Salieri, Paratov, Liudas Liepinis and others.

The actor's experience undoubtedly enriched K. Inčiūra's dramaturgical work. He had a good sense of dialogue, stage action, character and the power of the living word. The stage was not just a profession for him. It was a space where words became actions, and literature – a living encounter with the audience.

Playwright and creator

K. Inčiūra's dramaturgy intertwines history, folklore, human experiences, and stage imagination. He created plays based on Lithuanian history and folk tales, and wrote poetic dramas.

Among his most famous works are „Vincas Kudirka“, „Margiris“, „Eglė žalčių karalienė“, „Broliai juodvarniai“, „Žemaitė“ and „Gulbės giesmė“. The creator’s relationship with music was also close. K. Inčiūra wrote the librettos for the operas „Gražina“ and „Trys talismanai“, and was the co-author of the libretto for the opera „Vilmantė“ („Father’s Daughter“). Many songs by Lithuanian composers have been created based on his verses.

K. Inčiūra's work as a translator is no less significant. He translated literary works of other nations into Lithuanian, including works and dramatic works by Alexander Pushkin, Alexander Tvardovsky and other authors.

Creativity that remains in memory

The life and work of Kazys Inčiūra is an important part of the cultural memory of the Anykščiai region. Different areas of art met in his personality, and his creative legacy testifies to a person who cared about literature, theater, music, his native land, and the culture of the nation. The writer Rimantas P. Vanagas has noted that the life and work of K. Inčiūra can be a meaningful example for the younger generation:

„"A meaningful life must be recorded, shown as an example to the younger generation that selfless work and creativity for the good of one's country is incomparably more than the coolest lecture on love and duty to one's homeland."“

Today, Kazys Inčiūra's work and life story invite us to look back anew at the people of 20th-century Lithuanian culture, their choices, creativity, and relationship with their native land.

We invite you to visit the literary exhibition "Kazys Inčiūra: Stage Man and Writer" at the Regional Studies and Documents Department of the Anykščiai L. and S. Didžiuliai Public Library. The exhibition is open from October 1 to November 12.