Poetry and Music Performance “Through Open Windows” #4

The unique courtyard of the House of Signatories opens its gates to poetry and music. Don’t miss the final opportunity this summer to experience the fusion of poetry and sound drifting through open windows!

Which window will open? You’ll see when you arrive.
In case of rain – we’ll move to the Štralis event hall.
Admission is free

This evening will feature poetry readings by three emerging-generation poets — Austėja Jakas, Ieva Toleikytė, and Dovilė Bagdonaitė — accompanied by live musical compositions and improvisations by Julius Čepukėnas (URBA URBA / Keista bjauri žuvis).

Meet the Participants:

Ieva Toleikytė is a writer, translator, and bookshop “eureka!” staff member. She debuted in 2009 with the short story collection Garstyčių namas. Her poetry book Raudonas slidus rūmas (2020) won the Young Yotvingian Prize and the Zigmas Gėlė Award. In 2022, she published a children’s book about mushrooms, Kepurėje žvaigždė (illustrated by Eglė Wildheart). That same year, she received the Young Creator Prize from the Ministry of Culture. She enjoys playing cards, foraging for mushrooms, and birdwatching.

Dovilė Bagdonaitė is a poet and visual artist from the younger generation. She debuted with Mėlynojo banginio širdis (2016), and her second book Takeliai_žolėje (2022) was voted the Best Poetry Book of the Year by 15min readers. Her visual art can be seen in public spaces across Vilnius. Her poetic language is crooked, intimate, and alluring—like the worn footpaths beside city sidewalks. Dovilė writes while moving through the city, reflecting on art history, meeting people, and scrolling for ways to fight insomnia. Queer experiences, tensions, conflict, and love play a central role in her work.

Austėja Jakas is a poet and visual artist with a background in graphic design. Her debut poetry collection Mėlynieji malonumai (2024, Baziliskas Publishing) was selected as one of the 12 Most Creative Books by the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore, and named Poetry Book of the Year by readers. Her work has appeared in Nemunas, Šiaurės Atėnai, and Literatūra ir menas, and has been translated into Belarusian and English (published in Vilnius Review). She currently lives and creates in Austria.

URBA URBA is the solo project of Julius Čepukėnas, focused on improvisation and live electronics. Hypnotic compositions emerge from drone textures and old-school synthesizer tones, creating dense soundscapes rich with melodic and melancholic aesthetics.

Organizers: Poetinis Druskininkų ruduo Literary Festival, House of Signatories, Lithuanian National Museum
Supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture