KREVE-MICKIEVICIUS, VINCAS

born Oct. 19, 1882, Subartonys, Russian Lithuania died July 7, 1954, Broomall, Pa., U.S. also called Vincas Kreve Lithuanian poet, philologist, and playwright whose mastery of style gave him a foremost place in Lithuanian literature. After serving as Lithuanian consul in Azerbaijan, Kreve became professor of Slavonic languages and literature in Kaunas (192239) and later in Vilnius. He went into exile in 1944, shortened his name to Vincas Kreve, and from 1947 was professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Kreve became internationally known by his collection of Lithuanian folk songs (Dainos). National feeling suppressed by foreign rule found expression in his plays and won him great popularity among Lithuanians. arunas, Dainavos kunigaiktis (1912; Sharunas, Prince of Dainava), Skirgaila (1925; Prince Skirgaila), Likimo keliais (192629; Along the Paths of Destiny), and Karaliaus Mindaugo mirtis (1935; The Death of King Mindaugas) have a romantic view of the past; but he was also a realistic observer with a deep understanding of human nature, as is shown in his village drama Zentas (1921; The Son-in-Law) and in his short storiesparticularly those contained in Sutemose (1921; Twilight) or Po iaudine pastoge (192223; Under a Thatched Roof). He also adapted Lithuanian legends in Dainavos alies senu zmoniu padavimai (1912; Legends of the Old People of Dainava) and themes from Oriental legends in Rytu pasakos (1930; Tales of the Orient). Among his last works, Dangaus ir zemes sunus (1949; The Sons of Heaven and Earth) shows great power of expression in portraying Hebrew life in Herod's time.