Kanklės of Vilnius Society

The society was most active in 1906 when, among other plays, it staged the historical drama Pilėnų kunigaikštis (Duke of Pilėnai), two operettas by Mikas Petrauskas, and the first Lithuanian opera Birutė.

[2] Kanklės of Vilnius was established because the membership fees of the Mutual Aid Society were too high (25 rubles to join) and it was limited to four cultural events a year.

[4] As with many other Lithuanian amateur theaters of the time, repertoire of Kanklės could be divided into two categories – historical dramas that glorified the past and simple comedies from everyday life.

[10] In May 1906, the society staged five-act historical drama Pilėnų kunigaikštis (Duke of Pilėnai) by Marcelinas Šikšnys [lt].

[14] In early 1906, twelve young theater performers (including Liudas Gira) resigned from Kanklės and joined the Mutual Aid Society.

[19] The revolt was likely inspired by an event held at the house of Petras Vileišis which charged 1 ruble for the entrance – much too steep of a price for the younger and poorer members.

[20] The society's mixed choir was directed by Mikas Petrauskas, but he fled to Switzerland due to troubles with the Tsarist police in late 1906.

[21] After him, the choir was briefly directed by several men, including Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Stasys Šimkus, Juozas Tallat-Kelpša.

[25] It was still active in 1908, the board held meetings and organized a few dance evenings, but was unable to revive the troubled society.