Inga Norkutė, a celebrated Lithuanian actress, is marking three decades of professional work in the performing arts. The milestone is particularly poignant, as Norkutė credits the city of Šiauliai and the supportive community she found there with shaping her career. As she prepares for the largest performance of her musical monologue “Pirmas kartas” (“First Time”) at the Šiauliai Concert Hall on February 15th, Norkutė reflects on a journey that began with a leap of faith and a shared experience with her fellow drama school graduates.
“Many times I have kissed the theater stage. If not for this city, I might have been lost as an actress – remaining unnoticed and unseen on television,” Norkutė shared, according to a press release. This sentiment underscores the profound impact Šiauliai has had on her life and career, a connection she continues to nurture through her work and upcoming performance.
Norkutė’s path to the stage began in Klaipėda, where she grew up and completed secondary school before pursuing studies at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Graduating in 1996 alongside twelve classmates, the group was encouraged by their instructors to seek opportunities together. This led a majority of them to Šiauliai, where they arrived in September 1996, initially seeking a theater building that, at the time, lacked signage and resembled a courthouse. The early days were marked by a spirit of camaraderie, with the group living in the theater itself, cooking potatoes in the corridor, and rehearsing late into the night.
The shared struggle and eventual success fostered a lasting bond. “Role after role – and the theater tied us together,” Norkutė explained. This sense of belonging and mutual support proved crucial in establishing their careers and roots in the city. The upcoming performance of “Pirmas kartas” draws on these experiences, weaving personal stories with universal themes.
A Fresh Stage, A New Voice
“Pirmas kartas” represents a new creative challenge for Norkutė, as it marks her debut in a one-woman show format. She credits director Darius Gumauskas, a former classmate, for his guidance in developing the piece. The performance is notable for featuring original songs performed by Norkutė herself, a venture she embraced with the help of vocal coach Jekaterina Fiodorova, known as Aika to many music fans. Fiodorova’s own song, “Raga,” is set to compete in the national Eurovision selection process, and Norkutė expressed her support, noting Fiodorova’s remarkable vocal talent, as reported by Delfi.
The production of “Pirmas kartas” was a collaborative effort, with contributions from a team of talented professionals including Sandra Žukauskienė (makeup artist), Gintarė Eimantaitė-Armalė (hair extensions), Inga Bagdonaitė (hair stylist), and Indrė Masilionytė-Koženiauskienė (designer). A photoshoot with Aura Šimkienė captured the spirit of the show and the power of female collaboration, as Norkutė described.
A Performance That Evolves
Norkutė describes “Pirmas kartas” as a dynamic and interactive experience, promising a performance that will shift and evolve with each audience. The show blends familiar melodies, original music, humor, and heartfelt moments, inviting audiences into a series of relatable stories about women’s lives. “I want to invite you to a date. One that will be funny, open, sometimes absurd, and sometimes – very recognizable. They say a person is young as long as there are first times in their life. First date. First kiss. First performance on stage. Or maybe – the first meeting with me. And I promise – in at least one story you will identify yourself,” Norkutė shared, inviting audiences to join her on this unique theatrical journey.
The tour supporting “Pirmas kartas” will take Norkutė across Lithuania, with performances scheduled in Jurbarkas, Utena, Kaišiadorys, Alytus, Kaunas, and other cities. This extensive tour underscores Norkutė’s commitment to bringing her work to audiences throughout the country and celebrating her 30-year milestone with the community that helped shape her career. As she looks ahead, Norkutė’s dedication to her craft and her connection to Šiauliai remain central to her artistic vision.
What comes next for Inga Norkutė remains to be seen, but her continued exploration of new artistic avenues and her commitment to engaging with audiences promise a vibrant future for this celebrated Lithuanian actress.
Share your thoughts on Inga Norkutė’s career and the upcoming performances in the comments below!
