The hard-working woman of Kalnų Slėnis
Rasa Vasiliauskienė

I am an amateur theatre actress who discovered her love for the stage already in youth. My journey into theatre has been like a long yet beautiful voyage, filled not only with challenges, but also with joy, discoveries, and growth. From my first appearances on small stages to more significant roles, I have always sought not only to perform roles, but to convey emotions that leave an imprint in the hearts of the audience.

With deep gratitude, I recall all the stages that shaped my creativity and my steps on stage. One of the most important moments in my acting path was the honor of performing with Stasė Niūniavaitė – an outstanding cultural figure of Žemaitija, whose life and work left an indelible mark. Stasė Niūniavaitė was not only a talented actress and writer, but also a strong personality whose activities inspired many people. She was not only a theatre director and a guardian of Žemaitija’s culture, but also a political prisoner, an active participant of Sąjūdis, who devoted her strength to the struggle for freedom.

For a short time, I also worked with the writer and drama director Vida Bladykaitė, who in 1997 moved to the United States.

In 2013, I met a young and promising director, Andrėja Gričiutė-Stulginskienė, who came to work at the Naujoji Akmenė Palace of Culture. As we like to joke, “I came and stayed,” and so we continue to work together to this day. Andrėja has become not only a colleague, but also an important part of my creative journey. Her enthusiasm, energy, and professionalism have given me new perspectives on stage. Together, we have been able not only to immerse ourselves in creativity, but to build a theatre capable of reaching the hearts of audiences. This is not only a shared professional endeavor, but also a long friendship in which each of us continues to grow and develop.

My performances often reflect my ability to embody a wide variety of characters, which enrich me both personally and artistically. I believe that the magic of theatre lies not only in the actors stepping on stage, but also in the energy we share with the audience. It is precisely this connection, this sense of togetherness, that always motivates me to improve and not to fear taking risks on stage.

Theatre for me is not just a profession – it is a way of life, a commitment and devotion to art. Each performance is an opportunity to express my innermost feelings, to discover new shades, and to reveal yet unknown facets of the world. Every role is not only a challenge, but also a chance to rediscover myself anew.

Roles on Stage

My theatrical path is a constant creative challenge and an emotional journey, where each role has
been not only a professional test but also a life lesson. Here are my most important roles, performed
with great passion and dedication together with creative directors and talented colleagues:

• 1987 – Eight-scene fairy tale play “Didysis Gintaras” by R. Markūnas
  (dir. St. Niūniavaitė) role: Baron Knopkė.
• 1989 – Two-act play “Kolumbo gimtadienis” by J. Erlickas
  (dir. St. Niūniavaitė) – main role: the Hen Izabelė.
• 2014 – “Šalikelė” by O. Jautakė (dir. A. Gričiutė-Stulginskienė) – main role: the Wife.
• 2014 – Monologue performance with dialogue fragments “Tūnantis šešėlyje” based on
  Vladas Kalvaitis’ novel “Sustiprinto režimo barakas” (adaptation and direction by A. Stulginskienė) – supporting role.
• 2015 – “Žemaitė ir trys mylimos” by A. Sprindys and Žemaitė (adaptation and direction by A. Stulginskienė, kurtuvėnai) – role: Marcė.
• 2017 – Lecture-performance “Radvilos, Sforcos ir Papakoda” (adaptation and direction by A. Stulginskienė), based on Halina Auderska’s novel “Queen Bona” – main role: Queen Bona.
• 2025 – “Palikimas” (Naujoji Akmenė, written and directed by A. Stulginskienė) – role: Aldona.
• 2025 – “Liudvikėlio kerštas. Season II” (Tytuvėnai, written and directed by A. Stulginskienė) – role: Innkeeper’s Wife.
• 2025 – Theatrical tour “From the Romers to the Gruževskis” (script and direction by A. Stulginskienė), Tytuvėnėliai Manor – role: Housekeeper Zoselė.

Participation

I have taken part in numerous traditional amateur theatre festivals and celebrations (“Kauno rampa,” “Atspindžiai”), theatre days, author evenings of sung poetry, creative events, book presentations, and more.

Each role has been not only a professional challenge, but also an opportunity to know myself more deeply, to step into new perspectives, and to creatively express different worlds. I am grateful for the trust and for the chance to create together with creative teams the miracles of theatre that remain in memory and in the heart.

Friendship with MB “Kalnų slėnis”

An especially important part of my creative journey is my connection with MB “Kalnų slėnis.” This friendship and professional collaboration has become not only an important stage of my work, but also an inspiration for new ideas and projects. “Kalnų slėnis” is not just a team of creative people, but a space where unique projects are born – projects that unite different art genres, cultural aspects, and traditions.