wfn.org | BWNS -- International cast in musical theater

[Bahá'í World News Service <bwns@bwc.org>]

Baha'i World News Service
See story with photographs  <http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/>
http://www.bahaiworldnews.org
For more information, contact  <mailto:editor@bahaiworldnews.org>
editor@bahaiworldnews.org

International cast in musical theater
VILNIUS, Lithuania, 29 August 2004 (BWNS) -- A multinational musical theatre
troupe enjoyed a positive reception here this month during a two-week tour
organized by the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Vilnius.

The Inspirit Performing Arts group, with members from 14 countries including
Lithuania, presented three performances of a musical play, "Quest of the
Spirit," to enthusiastic audiences in the Elfu Theater in Vilnius.

During the tour from 31 July to 13 August 2004, the 16-member cast performed
songs, dances, and instrumental pieces in a production that depicted aspects
of the world's religions. The show's theme was the path of a wayfarer in his
search for spiritual truth.

Some of the cast also presented a show in a local cafe, as well as offering
impromptu performances of dances and songs in outdoor venues.

Other activities included a public photographic exhibition held in a hall
located near the city center. This well-attended display featured the work of
Ineta Alvarado, a Baha'i from Vilnius. It included photographs of the Shrine
of the Bab and the surrounding terraced gardens.

On six evenings, members of the troupe gave public talks on a variety of
topics including Baha'u'llah's mission, the Baha'i Faith's relationship to
other religions, and what it means to be a Baha'i. These talks were followed
by discussions.

The activities of Inspirit sparked the interest of audience members in the
Baha'i Faith and they have since begun attending Baha'i study circles,
devotional meetings, youth and children's classes, and discussion meetings.

Inspirit is a performing arts group formed by volunteer staff at the Baha'i
World Centre, in Haifa, Israel. Members come from Australia, Estonia, Canada,
Germany, India, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Papua New Guinea, the
Philippines, Portugal, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The self-funded troupe undertook the tour during the vacations of its members
as a service to the people of Lithuania. They were assisted in their
activities by Baha'is from Estonia and Latvia.

This was the second visit by Inspirit to Lithuania. The troupe originally
traveled to Vilnius in 2002 and the reception was so enthusiastic that it
made
plans to return this year.

The reaction proved to be positive again. Among local youth attracted to the
show were Lijana Juodzbalyte and Aidas Alionis, who subsequently attended
many
of Inspirit's activities including the morning devotional sessions.

At the conclusion of the project, the two were obviously touched by the
performers and their message.

"This was the best summer of my life," Aidas said.

Lijana said the songs and dances looked very professional.

"It was great to see so many flags on the stage -- it was a show of unity, "
she said.

"There were many kinds of art on the same stage at the same time, including
singing, acting, dancing -- and beautiful photos shown on the screen."

Eugene Van Zanten of Ukmerge said that even though the cast members were from
so many different countries and spoke almost as many languages, they were
able
to perform in complete unity.

At the tour's conclusion, Lijana summed up the reactions to the performances.

"Inspirit's activities," she said, "have touched the hearts of many
Lithuanians."

(Kevin McLoughlin contributed to this report and provided photographs.)