Perspective on Arts, Jewish People's Theatre in Vilnius

The exact date of this episode is unknown. We've filled in the date above with a placeholder. What we actually have on record is: 196u-uu-uu.

This episode of Perspective on Arts highlights the Jewish People's Theatre of Vilnius in Lithuania. According to the host, the troupe was formed in 1956 by a group of workers in a leather factory. The first performance at the union clubhouse was received so positively that the group was invited to perform at the Vilnius Opera and Ballet Theater. Subsequently, the group found a permanent rehearsal space at the Republican Trade Union Palace of Culture.

At the time of this recording, the group, under professional direction, has "200 members and is divided into four groups: a chorus, a dance ensemble, an orchestra and a drama circle." It attracts collaborations from professional performers and draws a large crowd including leaders in government. The group performs in cities throughout Lithuania. The current season features a retrospective of Sholem Aleichem.

The recording features performances of three songs:
"Our City is on Fire"
"Beat the Drum"
"I Love you My City"

Hosted by [Vladimir Alexea]

[Most likely recorded in the mid-1960s]

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150283
Municipal archives id: T4053