Barn Theater Tradition in Tautkaičiai Region
The tradition of folk amateur theater – Klojimo teatras / Barn Theatre - that was born at the end of the 19th century in the countryside of Lithuania is still a vibrant amateur theater phenomenon. One of the most prominent nurturers of this tradition is the Tautkaičiai Barn Theater “Gegnė”. This theater meets all the characteristics of the genre - it has its own traditional venue for performances - a barn - and local non-professional actors of various ages. It stages plays with uncomplicated characters that can be easily played by the performers, and simple, clear and dynamic plots easily understood by the audiences.
The folk theater tradition in Tautkaičiai is exceptional in its communal aspect. It is a community of families and relatives, where acting skills, experience, and culture of communication are passed down from generation to generation. During more than 70 years of its existence, “Gegnė” theater has staged over 50 plays with around 100 actors. Actors playing in the current productions are grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the theater founders.
“Gegnė” stages works by various Lithuanian authors: plays adapted to the rural specifics of the theater. Old folk songs, music, dances, games, and oral folklore are woven into the performances. Usually, the plays depict the simple life, routines, and feelings of ordinary rural people that lived at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century. Political topics are avoided, and various comic situations are interpreted in a fun way. The theater director, actors, and members of the Tautkaičiai community jointly create the scenery of the plays, caring for the surroundings of the farmstead and the barn in Dženčialauka, and organizing the Barn Theater Festival annually held during the Feast of the Assumption of Mary Žolinė, which attracts many spectators. Acting and watching the performances brings joy to both the actors and the audience and strengthens the community of the locals and theater lovers.
Submission by Tautkaičiai Village Barn Theater Society “Gegnė”, The Marijampolė Region and President Kazys Grinius Museum
Tradition bearers – Tautkaičiai Barn Theater “Gegnė“, Tautkaičiai village community, residents of Sasnava eldership