Lithuanian contemporary opera performance 'HAVE A GOOD DAY!' makes its Japanese debut in Kyoto and Aichi this autumn
Lithuanian opera 'HAVE A GOOD DAY!' premieres in Japan at Kyoto and Aichi this autumn.Summary
The Lithuanian contemporary opera performance 'HAVE A GOOD DAY!' will make its Japanese debut this autumn, with shows at the Romi Theater Kyoto (Kyoto, Ogaki) on September 25 and 26, and at the Hono Kuni Toyohashi Art Theater PLAT (Aichi, Toyohashi) on October 3. The work is the first collaboration among three Lithuanian female artists—Vaiva Grainytė (libretto), Lina Lapelytė (composer and music director), and Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė (director and visual designer)—who gained international attention after winning the Golden Lion Award at the 2019 Venice Biennale for their opera performance 'Sun & Sea (Marina)'. Since its 2013 premiere, the piece has been performed at music, theater, and opera festivals worldwide, including Lithuania, other European countries, the United States, and China. Set in a modern supermarket—a symbol of consumer society—the opera explores 'the fate of labor, consumption, and human existence' by focusing on the inner lives of ten mechanical, rehearsed clerks. By staging the workplace of labor and consumption, it questions societal structures while quietly highlighting the multifaceted nature of individuals often lost within systems. Notably, the performance does not feature any consumer goods; instead, it relies on minimalist elements such as flickering fluorescent lights and the repetitive beeps of scanned items, as suggested by its subtitle 'Ten Cashiers, the Sounds of a Supermarket, an Opera for Piano'. The performance blends irony and humor about consumer culture with solitary whispers, inviting audiences to experience it live in theaters. Photo by Simonas Švitra. Related events and accessibility support include childcare services, wheelchair access, and assistance for visually impaired or blind audience members; advance contact with each venue is recommended. After the Kyoto performance on September 26, a '感想シェア会' (感想 sharing session) will be held at the same venue (first-come, first-served, with prior registration required).
(Source：美術手帖)