Armenian Drama

So far I've been very impressed with the cultural offerings of Yerevan- the museums are really great here, everything is beautifully preserved and displayed, from the National Art Gallery to smaller endeavors like independent art shows. People enjoy culture here. It is a statistical fact that, compared to its population, the city of Yerevan has the most cultural outlets available- compared to all of the cities in the former Soviet Union. That's why I was so looking forward to seeing a play here. Once again, I was quite impressed. 

The play was a piece by the famous Armenian dramatist Shirvanzade- entitled Patvi Hamar (for honor). I read the play in high school and it has always been one of my favorites. The Sundukian theatre did not disappoint. It was quite a large production with loud music, elaborate costumes, choreography, and a beautiful set. Back in LA, most plays try to be as realistic as possible. But here it was the complete opposite, the drama was over the top and it was great. The costumes and set were elaborate as could be with gold leather gowns, face masks, feathers, hats, and fire. On top of all that, the actors screamed and cried their hearts out. 

The funny thing about being there is that it felt like I was at the Alex theatre in Glendale. I say this because where else do you go where the audience is all Armenian. I know, I know I'm in Armenia, but it strangely felt like being back home. Another interesting thing about the  play was our reaction to it. As spyurkahays, it's only natural that we react differently from the locals; but, the funny thing is that we all reacted differently from each other. We went with four people. We are four Armenians from LA, who grew in a more or less similar environment yet we reacted so differently to it: yours truly loved it, another one of us thought it was alright, and the other two absolutely hated it because it reminded them of a bad soap opera. Interesting right? What can I say, "chashakin enger chka!"

(Images from top: Armen Melody and Paulene inside the Sundukian theatre, the crowd, more crowd, the sexy gladiator women, the main cast).