The rock opera „Oath” – a breeze of patriotism will touch Los Angeles

The rock opera „Oath”, already igniting a new breeze of Lithuanian patriotism from the heavens, will perform in Los Angeles on February 23, 2020.

The presentation is a joint effort involving the Lithuanian Foundation, the Lithuanian American Community Cultural Council and the Lithuanian American Community Los Angeles Chapter. This gift to celebrate the Restoration of Independence is a historic event for the Lithuanian community in Los Angeles. Especially for the youth.

The rock opera is about the post-World War II Lithuanian partisan’s „Oath”, a historical theme that coalesced rock musicians with opera soloists. The story not only represents what happened historically but is a relevant today dedicated to all individual seeking or defending people’s rights and freedom.

While one may ask, why the director choose such a theme as well as such an unusual genre, a rock opera to convey the story? The answer is very simple – often younger individuals tend to be very passionate and will band together to do what is right. This story is an expression of disagreement with the existing attitude, with the existing order, or (in this case) with what happened in history. The rock opera director, Nerijus Petrokas, explains that this is a silent protest against the possible falsification of history.  If no one exposes the falsification of history, future generations will no longer distinguish between what was true and what is false. The word of untruth is usually uttered by strangers to the situation, and if repeated enough may end being believable. 

The “Oath” peels away the speculation that is written into history and unveils facts, by conveying to the audience the difficulties of that time and the sacrifices made by a young generation for the sake of their country, their homeland.  It is done, wrapped in the theme of romantic love.

Rock Opera, “Oath” premiered in Lithuania in 2018and was an instant hit.  The author of the rock opera is Gediminas Jankus, a defender of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, a volunteer, theater critic and historian. The rock opera is based on real biographies of Juozas Jakavonis-Tigris, Justinas Lelesius-Grafas, poet Jurgis Urbonas-Lactutis, gymnast Juozas Nausedaand others who fought for the Lithuania’s freedom.  Rock opera director is N. Petrokas and the composers are Laurynas Baskys and Jonas Chockevičius. The specific arrangements include music, ballads, romantic songs sung by the soloists Sandra Lebrikaitė(sopranos), Egidijus Bavikinas (tenors) and LiudasMikalauskas (bass), who compliment the rock band Thundertale.

Thus, the rock opera „Oath” is undoubtedly suitable for a wide range of musical tastes and attendees of all ages – young and old.  The event is sponsored by Lithuanian American Community Los Angeles Chapter. Admission is free. Donations to support the Chapter are certainly welcome.