Edvard Kiezik, Director of the Community Centre in Trakai, Lithuania

Ladies and Gentlemen!

My name is Edvard Keizik, and I am the director of the Royal Theatre and Culture Centre in Trakai. We have come from Trakai, a small town in Lithuania, which played a significant part in the history of the State of Lithuania.

Trakai is the second historical capital of Lithuania, attractive not only for its natural features and castles, but also for its history, the architecture of wooden houses, as well as multinational culture. The town is surrounded with lakes, and the old castle is located on an island.

Trakai is also famous for the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from 1409, built by Vytautas the Great. Inside one can see the painting of Trakai Mother of God, renowned for miraculous deeds. Year 2018, marking 300th anniversary of canonical coronation of the painting, was declared the Year of Trakai Mother of God, patron of Lithuania.

To honour the memory of the Grand Duke of Lithuania and to commemorate 100th anniversary of independence regained by Lithuania, the Royal Theatre in Trakai staged a play entitled “In the Shadow of the Crown”. The play talks about the tragedy of Vytautas the Great, the fortunes of the monarch and a human being... The scenario was written by Vytautas Mikalauskas who also directed the production.
During the festival we are going to present a movie, directed by Audrius Juozenas, entitled „Owl Mountain“ which was made on the occasion of 100th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuanian statehood. This is a historical drama, depicting political and historical events taking place in Lithuania during 1947–1953, when fierce struggle continued between Lithuanians and the Soviet regime.

During the festival in Rzeszów, Editos dailės studija (Edith‘s Art Studio) is going to present an exposition “Moments of the Centennial” showcasing works by a group of amateur artists, in total approximately 40 original works of art. The artists looked for inspiration in the history of Lithuania, its heritage, its nature and culture, and they dedicated the exhibition to the 100th anniversary of Lithuania.

Edvard Keizik
director of the Trakai Culture Centre