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Kaunas City Chamber Theatre returned from the international theatre festival “COM•MEDIA”, held in Alytus, with two significant awards. The awards ceremony took place at Alytus City Theatre on the evening of November 24, marking the finale of the 15th edition of the festival.

The Kaunas City Chamber Theatre co-production with “Teatro istorijos”, the performance “Galaxies” (director Jūratė Trimakaitė), won in the category Best Com•@ Performance.

Combining paper theatre and drama elements, the creative team of “Galaxies” takes the audience on an expedition through space, reflecting the inner world of Karolis, a boy on the autism spectrum. While he explores the stars, his mother becomes a bridge between Karolis’ galaxy and the world of neurotypical people. Created from an original play, the performance is not only a journey through space but also a journey toward empathy and understanding. In a universe that can feel isolating and confusing, “Galaxies” becomes a sensitive reminder that every person uniquely searches for their place among the stars.

The director of “Galaxies”, Jūratė Trimakaitė, expressed her joy at the recognition, emphasising that the performance was born from a desire to speak about human connection and mutual understanding even when worlds seem very different.

Meanwhile, in the category Best Theatrical Poster, first place was awarded to illustrator Gabrielė Gudaitytė for her work for the performance “Strings Attached”. The award was presented just one day after the movement performance’s premiere.

“Strings Attached” is a movement-based performance that explores the human desire for connection, belonging, and finding kindred souls. It is a choreographic reflection on Platonic love, inspired by the myth of early humans who were split in two by the gods and condemned to search for their other half. The performance is created by a mixed-ability ensemble together with professional dancers Ema Senkuvienė, Urtė Šalčiūtė, Anton Ovchinnikov, and choreographers Mariia Bakalo (Ukraine) and Tadas Almantas (Lithuania–Germany).

The production is part of the inclusive performing arts platform “Serpantine laboratory”, a long-term initiative by Kaunas City Chamber Theatre running since 2019. It develops creative workshops, training programs, and professional productions, and promotes inclusive artistic practices involving both theatre professionals and people with disabilities.

The awards were received during the festival closing evening by theatre director Jurga Knyvienė.

The international theatre festival “COM•MEDIA” has been held in Alytus since 2012 and has become an important cultural event in the region, showcasing comedy, tragicomedy, farce, and absurd theatre from Lithuania and abroad.