Teatr Andriusa Oleki-Žilinskasa

ENIn 1929 a man arrived in Kaunas who wanted to reform the Lithuanian theatre. His name was Andrius Oleka-Žilinskas. Although born in Moscow, he was a Lithuanian from a traditional and patriotic family. In 1913 Oleka-Žilinskas was admitted into MChT, where Konstantin Stanisławski, a famous reformer of the theatre, was presently introducing his innovative methods of working with actors. What precipitated Oleka's decision to leave for Lithuania was not only his intention to do something for his own country, but also the increased pressure on him in Soviet Russia after the Revolution. He arrived in Kaunas, the temporary capital, where the theatres continued to cultivate the 19th century style of acting and where the newcomer from the enemy country was not likely to be welcomed. Oleka tried to implement Stanislawski's innovative methods on the Lithuanian soil, working both as a director and actor Despite the success of many plays he managed to stage, he found no acceptance among his contemporaries. He was forced to leave. His contribution to the Lithuanian culture was appreciated only many years after his death.