“ROOTS”

On September 19–21, MB Kalnų slėnis celebrated Čiurlionis’ birthday at the Beržėnai Seniors’ Home (Joniškis district), Naujoji Akmenė Cultural Center (Akmenė district), and in Vaiguva (Kelmė district) at the memorial stone of the Righteous Among the Nations Marija Rusteikaitė, presenting the intermodal experiential art performance “Roots” (script and direction by Andreja Stulginskienė). Performed by: actress Justina Kasiulytė, Rasa Vasiliauskienė, Algimantas Rašimas, and accordionist Antanas Visockas.

FEEDBACK:

“We are glad that the spirit of this beautiful initiative also reached our care home – we were visited by the Kalnų slėnis community, led by director, theatre scholar, educator, guide, and puppeteer Andreja Stulginskienė. The intermodal experiential art performance “Roots” they brought touched hearts, awakened memories, and created a true moment of togetherness. It was not just a performance – it was a journey through memory, feelings, and cultural heritage.

Thank you for the warmth, sensitivity, and artistic encounter!”

Beržėnai Seniors’ Home

“ROOTS – that was the name of the performance I witnessed today at the Vaiguva manor site. It certainly has its own title – probably beautiful and long – but at school I was never taught such intricate, modern words, so I can only speak about the emotions I experienced, emotions overflowing beyond measure. WONDERFULLY BRIGHT EMOTIONS. Emotions that, without a doubt, I will experience again someday at another event brought to life by dear Andreja and her hardworking companions. And today we all took part – the people of Vaiguva, those who came from afar, sister Eleonora, herself shining and sharing light through her stories about the Righteous Among the Nations Marija Rusteikaitė. It was at the stone erected in her memory that we gathered today… We sat with eyes blindfolded, while Andreja sang old Lithuanian songs, small handfuls of soil were poured into our palms, and an ear of grain was placed upon them. And nothing needed to be seen – yet visions still came, reminding us of our beginnings, our ROOTS. Accompanied by wonderful music, we heard stories, dreams, and very clearly the rattling of train wheels on rail joints. We heard much, we saw much – even with our eyes closed. And in the end, tears welled up when Andreja sang “Marija, Marija”, my late mother’s favorite hymn.

I know one thing: I will never be able to describe today’s experiences. I can only say a HUGE THANK YOU to Justina, Rasa, Algimantas, and Andreja.”

Vaiguva, 21 September 2025

Vaclovas Liubinas

Links: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010048991472 https://www.facebook.com/vaclovas.liubinas.16