Atžalyno scena
In 1979, "Atžalynas" was granted the status of Folk Theater, and on the occasion of its first premiere, friends from Lithuania – other children's theaters – were invited. Thus, the first children's theater festival in Kretinga was born, initially named the Children's Theater Festival.
In 1990, the festival became international for the first time and was named "Atžalyno scena". "Atžalyno scena" festival in Kretinga is organized every two years. The main goal of the festival is to create an opportunity for children and youth theaters from Lithuania and other countries to meet and share creative experiences, strengthen unity, learn from each other and professional creative workshop leaders.
The program of the first festival consisted not only of performances. Various enjoyable activities were organized for both participants and spectators. Creative and unexpected events took place during the festival evenings dedicated exclusively to participants.
Each generation of Atžalynas continues the traditions but always adds something new.
To date, nearly 90 children and youth theaters from various cities in Lithuania and 33 children and youth theaters from other countries (Estonia, Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark, Croatia, Ukraine, France, Belgium, Russia, Finland, Norway) have participated in "Atžalyno scena."
In 2024, "Atžalyno scena" will take place for the 22nd time.