In 2025, marking the 35th anniversary of Lithuania’s restoration of independence, Vilnius Town Hall presents the lecture and discussion series Voices of Defiance: Cultural Resistance in Vilnius Under Soviet Rule.
The series explores cultural resistance in Vilnius from 1945 to 1990, highlighting how art, theater, cinema, heritage preservation, subcultures, and cafés became quiet yet powerful forms of opposition to Soviet ideology.
It aims to foster open discussions about the role of creativity and culture in resisting oppression, enhance public understanding of artists’ and cultural figures’ efforts to preserve national identity under repressive conditions, and invite audiences to engage directly with creators, resistance participants, and eyewitnesses.
Event format: A 30-minute lecture followed by a conversation with 4–5 invited cultural and art professionals, moderated by cultural journalist Laisvė Radzevičienė. Duration: 2 hours.
Lecture and Discussion Schedule:
September 8 – Cinema Between the Lines
Speaker: Rasa Paukštytė
This lecture explores how Lithuanian filmmakers used symbols and metaphors to bypass censorship and preserve the spirit of freedom and independent culture.
Discussion questions: Was cinema an effective form of resistance? How did audiences recognize hidden protest messages?
September 15 – Protest Art in Soviet Lithuania
Speaker: Jolita Mieželaitienė
This lecture examines how visual art served as a form of opposition to Soviet ideology—from post-war repression to Perestroika—highlighting artists’ works, informal groups, and the role of state organizations.
Discussion questions: How did visual art become a tool of resistance? What role did it play in the oppositional intelligentsia movement?
September 23 – Resistance in Vilnius Old Town
Speaker: Salvijus Kulevičius
This lecture explores how heritage preservation functioned as cultural defense and a strategy to safeguard national identity, focusing on Vilnius Old Town and its UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Discussion questions: Did urban heritage preservation become a silent yet effective form of resistance?
September 29 – Bohemia and Vilnius Cafés
Speaker: Rasa Pakalkienė
This lecture discusses how Vilnius cafés nurtured creativity, dialogue, and freedom, connecting artists, intellectuals, and like-minded individuals, and contributing to the spread of a resilient, independent culture.
Discussion questions: How did cafés shape the culture of resistance? What lessons can we draw for today?
Venue: Vilnius Town Hall, Chamber Hall (2nd floor)
Time: 6:00 PM
Dates: September 8–29, 2025
Organizer: Vilnius Town Hall
Project Manager: Giedrė Miller
Moderator: Laisvė Radzevičienė
Speakers: Rasa Paukštytė, Jolita Mieželaitienė, Salvijus Kulevičius, Rasa Pakalkienė
Project Duration: June 16 – September 29, 2025
