ConTempo festival is back: offering an up-close view of the world stage

From August 5 to 11, the ConTempo festival returns to Kaunas and Kaunas district for the sixth time, gathering the brightest performing arts creators from Lithuania and abroad. The seven-day program will feature over 45 dance, circus, and theatre performances, more than 30 hours of stage action, and many free events. This year, the festival’s slogan is “the world stage up close”, organisers promise to blur the lines between the stage and the audience.

According to Gintarė Masteikaitė, the director and program curator of ConTempo, the festival’s main mission remains unchanged. “We aim to transform the cultural environment of Kaunas and Kaunas district, grow the audience for contemporary performing arts, activate public spaces in the city and district, and support Lithuanian creators. Additionally, through our artistic program, we want to observe the changing environment and inspire creativity,” says G. Masteikaitė.

ConTempo stages will be set up in various locations across the city and district, often in unconventional spaces: a university sports hall, a shopping centre, a library, streets and meadows, and various public squares.

As always, ConTempo will surprise audiences not only with its chosen locations but also with a variety of genres and formats: expect audiovisual spectacles, interactive performances, experiential routes, dance and acrobatics shows, and movement theatre. This summer adventure will be crafted by artists from France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Lithuania.

Globally renowned artists will take the stage

In the festival program, audiences will have the opportunity to witness one of the most known artists or companies. Among them is El Conde de Torrefiel, known for bridging literature, visual arts, and choreography in their work. Last year, they participated in the prestigious Venice Theatre Biennale and are regular guests at international festivals. Operating for over a decade, their recent performances have delved into the relationships between the 21st-century political system and the individuals living in it. At ConTempo they will present their unique work created for open spaces titled “Ultraficcion nr. 1 / Fracciones de tiempo”, a performance set in nature at sunset that invites audiences into a dialogue with the living world. The encounter with El Conde de Torrefiel won’t end in Kaunas – the duo will also be seen in October at Vilnius International Theater Festival “Sirenos”.

This year, the festival welcomes back some well-known guests: Belgian choreographer, dancer, and leader of the “not standing” troupe, Alexander Vantournhout, honoured in 2021 with one of the most significant Flemish awards, the “Ultima”, for his contributions to the cultural sector; and the world’s only contemporary circus troupe of its kind, Rhizome, which has become a hallmark of the festival. They are returning to Kaunas for the third time, showcasing suspension acts performed at a height of 6 meters. The festival promises an extensive program tailored especially for families, aiming to cultivate a younger audience by introducing children and teenagers to contemporary performing arts.

“The festival places great importance on providing a platform for and celebrating recognized Lithuanian creators and artists,” emphasises G. Masteikaitė. That’s why the program features prominent yet seldom-seen figures in Kaunas, such as the esteemed interdisciplinary artist Auksė Petrulienė and choreographer Aira Naginevičiūtė, known for their distinct creative signatures. Both will unveil their latest premieres, showcasing their powerful artistic visions.

Returning to Kaunas is the collaborative choreographer, teacher, and performer Liza Baliasnaja with a compelling movement and vocal performance on the theme of fear. The festival kicks off with an unexpected and playful twist by the director, interdisciplinary artist, and actor Paulius Markevičius, complemented by the unique performance including 2500 black balls enlivening the city. 

The contemporary art scene unfolds for audiences from August 5-11 in Kaunas and Kaunas district.