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Actor, director, and drama therapist Kirilas Glušajevas identifies as a "one-lover"—someone dedicated to long-term, singular relationships. Reflecting on his personal and professional trajectory, Glušajevas states that his partnership with actress Gintarė was built on mutual recognition and shared history rather than conflict or competition. His approach to life and art is deeply rooted in the concept of long-term commitment, both in his private life and his creative practice.
The Evolution of a "One-Lover" Philosophy
According to Glušajevas, his relationship with Gintarė was not a conquest but a convergence of two people who were already familiar with each other’s professional work. Having observed her stage performances—notably in the production Madagascar—long before they began their personal relationship, Glušajevas notes that their union was an "abiding, mutual decision."
He rejects the idea of "fighting" for love, viewing long-term stability as a fundamental trait of his character. This philosophy extends to how he views his past; he describes himself as someone who processes life through "frames," where the intensity of a moment—often dictated by adrenaline or emotional state—can make a brief gesture feel like it lasts an eternity.
Schooling and the Roots of Creative Provocation
Glušajevas recalls his school years as one of the best periods of his life, despite his reputation as a disruptive student. By his own account, he was a "mix of contradictions." While he maintained high marks in subjects like physics, he frequently struggled with classroom behavior, even organizing a secret "truancy room" inside a closet to help classmates skip lessons.
He credits his early involvement in theater studios and poetry recitation competitions for his initial interest in the arts. These extracurricular activities provided an outlet for the energy that often landed him in trouble with teachers and parents. For Glušajevas, the school environment was a space for social experimentation and "infecting others with ideas," rather than a rigid academic hierarchy.
Artistic Influences and the Theater Path
Before committing to a career in theater, Glušajevas explored hip-hop culture and painting, interests that shaped his later directorial style. He admits that he was not initially a fan of the Small Theater (Mažasis teatras), preferring the raw, immediate storytelling style he saw in Oskaras Koršunovas’ productions.
During his studies, he and his peers were required to participate in every stage of a production—from rehearsals to performance. This immersive training, combined with his frequent attendance at Vilnius’ vibrant art and festival scene, allowed him to bridge the gap between his early artistic interests and the structured reality of professional theater.
Kirilas Glušajevas’ transition into professional directing was heavily influenced by the collaborative nature of creative work. He notes that the most meaningful connections in his career often emerged during rehearsals and script readings, where spontaneity took precedence over rigid planning.
FAQ: Understanding the Creative Mindset of Kirilas Glušajevas
How does Glušajevas view his school years?
He considers them one of the best times of his life, despite frequently receiving poor marks for his behavior. He was known for being a provocateur who organized extracurricular mischief for his peers.
What is his perspective on fighting for love?
He does not believe in "fighting" for a partner. He identifies as a "one-lover" who values long-term relationships, describing his partnership with Gintarė as an organic outcome of two people with existing life experiences choosing to be together.
Which artistic movements influenced his early work?
Before theater, he was deeply involved in hip-hop culture and painting. He found the storytelling in hip-hop to be a major influence on his perception of theater, favoring narratives that felt like they were happening "here and now."
What role does drama therapy play in his life?
While he is a practitioner of drama therapy, he emphasizes that his own life experiences—including early childhood memories of physical pain and family moments—are the raw materials he uses to find meaning in otherwise seemingly insignificant events.
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