A Lithuanian theater director has revealed that she was unaware of invitations extended to Jeffrey Epstein to attend performances she oversaw.
Marija Simona Šimulynaitė, speaking publicly, stated, “She invited that monster to my performances without my knowledge.” The revelation came after the discovery of letters from Epstein and photographs from the shows sent to him without her consent. This situation raises questions about unauthorized access and influence within cultural institutions.
Šimulynaitė also discussed the current location of the Petreikiai family, offering her own perspective on the matter, though details were not disclosed. The director’s statements highlight the potential for individuals to exploit positions of power and access for inappropriate purposes, a concern relevant to maintaining ethical standards in all professional settings.
In separate news, Šimulynaitė’s production of “Mindaugas,” a drama based on the poem by Justinas Marcinkevičius, will continue to be staged. She believes the play, which centers on themes of patriotism, freedom and love of country, is particularly relevant given current global tensions and the war in Ukraine.
“This work is about patriotism, freedom and love of the motherland. It contains many phrases that inspire courage, unity and strength. I am convinced that Lithuania needs exactly such a dose of patriotism now, when society is divided on many issues and various tensions prevail in the country and the world,” Šimulynaitė said. The play debuted five years ago to commemorate the centennial of Lithuanian statehood and is regularly performed on national holidays.
The continued performance of “Mindaugas” underscores the importance of cultural expression in fostering national identity and resilience during times of conflict and uncertainty.
