Reflections of Theatrical Activities in Lithuanian Local Periodical Press Under German Occupation 1941–1944

Abstract

The article explores the reflection of Lithuanian theatrical activities in the local press during the World War II. As the number of articles shows, theatre was an important part of the dailies’ content. The articles reveal that theatre activities were very important for the expansion of the Nazi culture. One can distinguish three general themes that the articles cover: promotion of Western theatre, especially German, promotion of Lithuanian repertoire and presentation of entertainment theatre. The latter can still be divided into entertainment for German soldiers and administration, and entertainment for Lithuanian audiences. The content of the articles reveals that journalists writing about theatre avoided Nazi propaganda clichés, such as hatred for Bolsheviks and Jews, but these clichés were nevertheless used by the representatives of theatre administrators.

Keywords

• theatre
• world war ii
• propaganda
• lithuania
• small stage
• western theatre
• lithuanian theatre
• front theatre
• press
• media