Sigitas Geda Lithuanian poet, playwright, essayist, literary critic, translator. Date of Birth: 04.02.1943 Country: Lithuania

Content:

1. Sigitas Geda: A Lithuanian Literary Luminary
2. Writing and Activism
3. Editorial and Literary Achievements
4. Collaborations and Adaptations
5. Awards and Recognition
6. Translations and Controversies
7. Legacy and Influence

Sigitas Geda: A Lithuanian Literary Luminary

Early Life and Education

Sigitas Geda, a visionary Lithuanian poet, playwright, essayist, literary critic, and translator, was born in the village of Patyrai, present-day Lazdijai district. In 1966, he graduated from the Department of Lithuanian Philology at Vilnius State University.

Writing and Activism

Geda's literary career blossomed with the publication of his debut poetry collection, "Pėdos" (Traces), in 1966. He joined the Writers' Union of Lithuania the following year.

Despite being dismissed from editorial positions due to his political views, Geda continued to write prolifically. He penned plays for children, screenplays, librettos, and essays.

From 1988 to 1990, Geda served as the Responsible Secretary of the Writers' Union of Lithuania. He was also a prominent member and activist in the Sąjūdis movement.

Editorial and Literary Achievements

From 1992, Geda edited the literature section of the weekly newspaper "Šiaurės Atenai" (Northern Athens).

He authored over ten books of poetry and poems, children's poetry collections, essay collections, librettos, and a screenplay for the musical film "Čorto nuotaka" (The Devil's Bride).

Collaborations and Adaptations

In collaboration with Saulius Šaltenis, Geda wrote the play "Komunarai" (Communards). His poem "Strazdas" (The Blackbird) inspired an opera.

Geda's libretto for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was used in the rock opera "Meilė ir mirtis Veronoje" (Love and Death in Verona).

Awards and Recognition

Geda received numerous literary and cultural awards, including the Officer's Cross of the Order of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas (1998).

Translations and Controversies

Geda translated notable works such as "The Song of Songs" (1983) and the Quran (2008). His Quran translation sparked controversy due to its liberal interpretations.

Legacy and Influence

Geda's poetry has been translated into English, Latvian, German, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, and other languages. His works have resonated with readers worldwide for their depth, imagery, and philosophical insights.

Despite a late-life conviction for causing harm to his daughter, Sigitas Geda's literary legacy remains uncontested. He is celebrated as one of Lithuania's most influential and beloved writers.

Contemporaries

Philip Larkin	Vera Inber	Bahyt Kenzheev
Vasilis Amanatidis	Uldis Krasts	Gyula Illyes