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Play about Lithuanian Nazi collaborators reignites controversy over Holocaust

A theatrical adaptation of a book about Lithuania’s World War II history that was pulled from shelves in the Baltic state is being met with threats of “widespread protests.”

Vilnius, Lithuania, Sept. 13, 2011. Photo: David Holt via Wikimedia Commons.
Vilnius, Lithuania, Sept. 13, 2011. Photo: David Holt via Wikimedia Commons.

Two years after “Our People; Journey With an Enemy” was taken off the shelves in Lithuania due to its allegations of collaboration between the local population and the Nazis during the Holocaust, the book has once again become a source of controversy in the Baltic state.

The book has been adapted into a play that is set to debut this month, despite fear of protests.

A source close to the production told Israel Hayom that “the very announcement on this play caused heavy criticism ... we have been pressured by many people to scrap the entire project because it might come off as defamatory against Lithuania.”

Ruta Vanagaite, co-author of the book, told Israel Hayom: “Personally, I am not concerned, but you can feel the tension in the air. Locals have told me to expect widespread protests.”

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