Atžalynas amateur theater festival to be held in Ožkabaliai

The 22nd Atžalynas amateur theater festival is scheduled to take place on September 4–5 at the Jonas Basanavičius Birthplace Museum in Ožkabaliai. Originally starting in 1997 as a local barn festival called ‘Ąžuolynas’, the event has evolved into one of Lithuania’s most significant gatherings for amateur theater groups, attracting collectives from various regions and Lithuanian communities abroad.

The 2024 program has expanded into a two-day event, with the first day dedicated to children's theater. Performances will be held in authentic barns, the museum courtyard, and the oak grove, featuring Lithuanian classics, contemporary drama, and original interpretations. Participating groups include ensembles from Vilkaviškis, Marijampolė, Matuizai, Jurbarkas, Liudvinavas, and Seinai.

The museum, located near Marijampolė, serves as a restored site dedicated to Dr. Jonas Basanavičius, a key figure in Lithuanian independence. While the original home was destroyed during World War II, the current museum provides educational exhibits on his life and the history of Lithuanian identity.