September 8–14, at the Vincas Kudirka Museum (a branch of the National Museum of Lithuania, LNM), artist Lina Inga Stankaitytė will peel potatoes for seven consecutive days, eight hours a day.
Over the course of 56 hours, she plans to peel about 500 kilograms of potatoes, which after the performance will be donated to nearby nursing homes and charity canteens. From this repetitive action—traditionally assigned to women—an endless story will begin to take shape about a woman’s life, her roles, and her experiences in contemporary society.

“This is not just a performance—it’s a reflection of thought. There are so many roles we are forced to perform that sometimes we forget how much of ourselves remains after all the ‘musts’ and ‘have-tos.’ The slow, monotonous rhythm of peeling potatoes shows how everyday actions can grow into an entire life story. It is a way to talk about work that is often taken for granted, but in reality shapes our identity. I want the viewer to see themselves in this act, to recognize experiences they may hide, and to understand that behind simple gestures lie complex stories,” says the performance’s author, Lina Inga Stankaitytė.

Lina Inga Stankaitytė – a talented Lithuanian actress, performance artist, theater soul nurturer, and Lithuanian language lecturer, known for her creative versatility and innovative projects. She holds a BA in Lithuanian philology and acting (supervised by Prof. J. Vaitkus), an MA in comparative Lithuanian philology, and training in systemic psychotherapy. Professional experience: acting at Vilnius Old Theatre and the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, assistant to theater and song festival directors. Her directing highlights existential and social issues with strong emotional and intellectual impact—powerful and provocative. Inga’s ability to combine artistic activity with educational programs fosters a new generation of creative and conscious people.

Performance as an invitation to dialogue

“Potato” is an open space for discussion and participation. The artist invites not only observation but also sharing the message of this performance within one’s community—discussing gender roles, social pressure, invisible labor, and creative freedom.

“Anyone can contribute through presence, sharing thoughts, reading, music, or conversation—becoming a living part of the creative process. Open dialogue initiates action, so public opinion about this performance gives courage for change in what is usually taken for granted,” says Stankaitytė.

Throughout the performance, she will be accompanied by fashion designer, costume artist, and art project curator Diana Sofija Kuzmickaitė. She will ensure the visual consistency of the performance, making sure each day has a unique but coherent imagery, and will lead educational sessions and discussions with students about body and identity, the relationship between fashion and health, and encourage open dialogue between creators and the community.

“It is important to me that the performance remains within the boundaries of performance art and does not turn into a theatrical narrative where every detail is predetermined. My goal is to maintain visual continuity as the performance unfolds, without creating new characters each day, so that the process remains alive and authentic,” says Diana Sofija Kuzmickaitė.

The LNM invites senior students to join educational sessions in the context of the performance—both at the Signatories’ House in Vilnius, where a live stream will be available, and at the Vincas Kudirka Museum in Kudirkos Naumiestis, where the performance itself will take place. This is an opportunity for students to meet the artists, take part in discussions, and explore the theme of the performance more deeply—discovering personally meaningful questions, and perhaps even answers.

According to LNM’s general director Rūta Kačkutė, this artistic project naturally integrates into the museum’s work on women’s history and its diversity:
“In recent years, the museum has presented numerous exhibitions, events, and educational programs dedicated to women’s experiences across different periods of Lithuanian history—from the lives of noblewomen and princesses to the stories of 20th-century political and cultural figures. Potato continues this line, but chooses a completely different form—a living, embodied narrative about women’s roles, their transformations, and their enduring symbolic weight. I am glad that today women are no longer just ‘potato peelers’—they are active participants in society, business, and culture, creating, initiating change, and boldly speaking about their experiences. This is not only an artistic experience but also a cultural act, inviting both local communities and audiences across the country to discuss what often remains in the shadows.”

The performance will take place live on September 8–14, 2025, daily from 10:00 to 20:00 (with a break 14:00–16:00) at the Vincas Kudirka Museum in Kudirkos Naumiestis. A live broadcast will be shown at the House of Signatories exhibition in Vilnius and on the LNM YouTube channel. The performance is open and free to all. To see more click here.