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09/16/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Yerevan Lauds US Lawmakers for Affirming Armenian Genocide 2) Virginia's Armenian Commission Holds First Meeting 3) 2005 ANCA-WR Annual Banquet Sells out 4) His Holiness Aram I to Preside Over USC Symposium 6) Senator Jack Scott Travels to Armenia 7) AYF Eastern Region Holds Successful Olympic Games in Washington, DC 8) Shushi Music School Society's 2005 Summer Camp a Success 9) Critics' Forum 10) First Sierra Summit 1) Yerevan Lauds US Lawmakers for Affirming Armenian Genocide YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Armenia welcomed the endorsement by a US congressional panel of two resolutions on Friday recognizing the Armenian genocide and expressed hope that they would pass the full House of Representatives. "We welcome the decision by the House International Relations Committee and consider it to be yet another step towards international recognition of the Armenian Genocide," commented Armenia's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamlet Gasparian. "We hope that the issue will be put before the full House of Representatives and that it will discuss and adopt the resolutions," Gasparian said. The resolutions urge President Bush to "accurately characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide" and call on Turkey to "acknowledge the culpability of its predecessor state, the Ottoman Empire." The overwhelming approval by the House panel on Thursday was also welcomed by leaders of Armenia's main political parties represented in parliament. There was no immediate reaction to Thursday's congressional votes from Turkey which denies that what happened in its territory 90 years ago constituted a genocide and has condemned 16 countries that have recognized the Armenian tragedy. In a letter to House International Relations Committee members, the US State Department warned that the debate "could damage US-Turkish relations and could undermine progress by Ankara and Yerevan as they begin quiet talks to address the issue and look to the future." But Gasparian disagreed. "I wouldn't like to link the resolutions adopted by third countries to Turkish-Armenian relations," he said. "As far as I know, the parliaments that have recognized the Armenian genocide urged Turkey in one way or another to normalize its relations with Armenia." 2) Virginia's Armenian Commission Holds First Meeting August 23, 2005 was a historic day for the Armenian-American community in Virginia and the United States, when the Governor's Commission on Armenian Affairs held its first meeting in the Patrick Henry Building on the grounds of the State Capitol of Virginia. Bedros Bandazian was appointed to chair the committee. The goal of the Commission on Armenian Affairs will be to create a relationship between the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Armenian-American Community of Virginia and the Republic of Armenia by creating projects and initiatives that will forge a greater bond. Various proposals were presented and adopted by the commission in the fields of medicine, academia, culture, government, business trade and networking. The designated mission will be to advise the Governor regarding development of economic, professional, educational and governmental links between the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Armenian-American Community and the Republic of Armenia. The commission is empowered to undertake studies, symposiums, research, factual reports and initiatives in order to work with the Governor of Virginia in the implementation of its mission. It also has the task of creating mutual exchange of cultural and historical information between the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the citizens of the Republic of Armenia. Barkev Baronian will work with the 400th Anniversary Commemoration of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia in 1607 and will research the history of the first Armenian on American soil, Martin the Armenian. The Jamestown 2007 Commemoration will celebrate America's 400th Anniversary of the first permanent English colony in Virginia with new museum exhibits, films, programs and rare treasures on loan from major museums and international collections. The activities of Martin the Armenian, as well as other early Armenian settlers in the 17th Century, have been documented in various archives. Research is being conducted into their contributions to the Jamestown settlement and their role in the early growth of America. Ideally, there will some type of exhibit in Jamestown to recognize this first relationship between Armenians and America. All Commission meetings are open to the public. The next scheduled meetings will be October 13, 2005, and November 17, 2005, from 10:30 AM until 3:00PM in the first floor meeting room of the Patrick Henry Building at 1111 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia. It is the hope of all that the Governor's Commission on Armenian Affairs will be able to create positive projects that will benefit the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Armenian-American Community of Virginia and the Republic of Armenia. For more information, please contact Louise Arnatt at Louise.Arnatt@governor.virginia.gov or Bedros Bandazian at bandaz@aol.com. 3) 2005 ANCA-WR Annual Banquet Sells out Additional State and Local Officials Confirmed Attendance LOS ANGELES--The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) announced today that all tickets to its 2005 Annual Banquet have been completely sold. The Annual Banquet will be attended by a distinguished list of elected officials on September 18th at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. This year, Congressman Ed Royce and State Senator Jackie Speier will be honored for their long-lasting support of issues of concern to the Armenian American community. Alex Sardar, who served as the ANCA-WR's Executive Director from 2000 to 2002 and who currently represents Counterpart International in Armenia, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will present special remarks during the evening's program. Some of the most recently confirmed officials are member of California State Board of Supervisors John Chiang, Assemblywoman Fran Pavely, Mayor of Montebello William Molinari, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Wendy Greuel and Bernard Parks, Glendale City Councilmembers Ara Najarian and Frank Quintero, and former Mayor of Glendale Larry Zarian. The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet regularly draws over 700 individuals, including a long list of dignitaries, such as prominent Members of Congress and state legislators, as well as a vast number of Armenian American community leaders and political activists. The annual event is the largest of its kind and helps raise funds to operate the nation's largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots and political advocacy organization. The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues. 4) His Holiness Aram I to Preside Over USC Symposium Important Conference Will Focus on Christian Response to Violence LOS ANGELES--The University of Southern California will be the site of a major conference that His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will preside over, focusing on the Christian response to violence with a special emphasis on the Armenian Genocide. Co-sponsored by the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the USC Institute of Armenian Studies and the USC Center for Religion & Civic Culture, the conference is one of several public forums during which His Holiness will address such issues under the theme of his visit "Towards the Light of Knowledge." Many notable scholars will speak on various related topics covering events ranging from the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to the current impact of violence on the daily lives of communities, families and youth today. His Holiness is deeply involved in the World Council of Churches where he has demonstrated leadership in confronting issues of violence throughout the world and it is his desire to drive discussions on this issue within Armenian communities as well. He will address the symposium with a presentation entitled "Christian Stewardship in Violent Times--The Quest for Peace." "The church has been witness to the racial violence the Armenian people have suffered throughout the course of history and especially with the Armenian Genocide," said Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. "With this year marking the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the church has an even more important role to play today in addressing many of these violence issues facing our communities and families throughout the world." Among the scholars presenting at the conference will be Professor Hrair Dekmejian of the USC Department of Political Science and Director of the USC Institute of Armenian Studies who will speak about "Christian Perspectives on War and Political Violence;" Professor Donald Miller, Director of USC School of Religion & Center for Religion & Civic Culture who will set the parameters of the conference and moderate one of the panels; and Simon Payaslian, Professor of Armenian Genocide Studies, Clark University on "The Church Bearing Witness to the Genocide of 1915: Martyrdom, Resistance, Remembrance." There will also be two panel discussions during the symposium including "The Church's Response to Political Violence in Today's World" with presenters Dr. Rubina Peroomian, UCLA and member of the World Affairs Council central committee and Mrs. Lorna Tourian, and "The Church's Role in Combating Community Violence" with presenters Dr. Levon Jernazian, Dr. Viken Yacoubian and Dr. Garbis Der Yeghiayan. Following the symposium will be an exhibit by Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA) on "Cultural Genocide--The Destruction of Armenia's Religious and Cultural Heritage." The USC Symposium will be held on October 15, 2005 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at USC's Davidson Conference Center, in the Embassy Room, on the corner of Jefferson and Figueroa Streets in Los Angeles. Space is limited, so those interested in attending should call the Prelacy office at (818) 248-7737, or e-mail: PRELACY@aol.com. 5) Garcetti Makes First Trip to Armenia Councilmember Working to Create Sister City Program Ever since Councilmember Eric Garcetti took office in 2001, he has been encouraged by leaders in the Armenian community and many of his constituents of Armenian heritage to visit Armenia. As a former professor of international relations, he has been a student of Armenian history for some years. Councilmember Garcetti will share memories from his trip with community leaders at a special reception on September 25 at 1 p.m., at St. Garabed Church Hall, 1614 N. Alexandria Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027. The community is invited to attend. Garcetti will also discuss the creation of a committee to formalize a sister city agreement with the city of Yerevan. As a candidate for City Council, Councilmember Garcetti made it one of his priorities to reach out to the Armenian community, from well-established schools, churches and institutions like St. John Garabed, Alex and Rose Philibos, ANC, AGBU, ARS, Homenetmen, as well as newer immigrants who sometimes were not yet part of more organized entities. Garcetti campaigned in Armenian and Russian and many of the young people who walked door to door with him were Armenian-American youth from Council District 13 and nearby neighborhoods. Since being in office, Councilmember Garcetti has made the revitalization of the Little Armenian neighborhood of East Hollywood one of his top priorities. "We have organized and joined clean-ups, neighborhood walks, encouraged new economic development, created parks, put up street banners that welcome people to Little Armenia, and helped to make the area safer, cleaner, and more beautiful," Garcetti said. "I have also sought to make sure that we never forget the Armenian Genocide of last century and I have helped the yearly youth march get city permits and joined in other organizations' events that commemorate one of humanity's darkest hours." This past winter, Garcetti and his Hollywood field deputy, Baydsar Thomasian (one of three Armenian-Americans in the CD13 office), decided to make the dream of visiting Armenia a reality and to take a trip to Armenia in the summer 2005. In preparation, Garcetti talked to city officials and Armenian-American leaders about some of the ways in which Los Angeles and Armenia could strengthen ties of friendship, commerce, and exchange. "Early this summer, I had the idea that perhaps Los Angeles, the second-biggest Armenian city in the world, could be twinned with Yerevan, the largest Armenian city in the world, as a Sister City," Garcetti said. "Yerevan already had a Sister City agreement with Cambridge, Massachusetts, so I went to Cambridge in early August to explore whether or not Cambridge might want to `share' Yerevan and the wonderful Sister City Committee and the Cambridge City Government agreed!" The trip to Armenia began on August 17. About a dozen people joined the delegation. Earlier in the year, Garcetti invited Governor Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, to join the group and he accepted the invitation. City Planning Commissioner Mike Mahdesian, Baydsar Thomasian, Armen Orujian, Vahag Thomasian, Lynnette Amerian (Garcetti's executive assistant), Garcetti's partner Amy Wakeland, and others all joined together in Armenia. The delegation stayed in Armenia until August 27, and were able to accomplish many important objectives. Garcetti met with the Mayor of Yerevan and signed an agreement to form a Sister City Relationship. Garcetti also met with members of Parliament to discuss ways to cooperate with one another in several areas. Garcetti discussed the new trade office that the State of California is opening a trade office in Yerevan. "We also talked to the US Ambassador about helping him restore a valuable film archive in Yerevan, which was an early filmmaking center last century and has a nascent film industry now," Garcetti said. Garcetti also met with the deputy foreign minister and also went to major sites, including Echmiadzin, Khor Virap, Sanahin, Hagpat, Garni, and Sardarabad to learn about the history. Garcetti also visited the Genocide Memorial in Yerevan. "We also ate incredible meals--the reddest tomatoes I have ever seen, some of the best pork chops, yogurt with honey, fresh berries (blackberries, choke cherries, currants, plums, etc.), and of course sampled some of the Armenian wine, where wine first originated," Garcetti said. "The hospitality of everyone was incredible--I have not eaten so much in a long time." Join Councilmember Garcetti Sunday, Sept. 25 - 1PM at St. Garabed Church Hall 1614 N. Alexandria Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 6) Senator Jack Scott Travels to Armenia PASADENA--State Senator Jack Scott (21st State Senate District - Glendale/Pasadena) will be traveling to Armenia on a fact-finding trip aimed at furthering relations between California and Armenia. Senator Scott leaves Los Angeles for Yerevan, Armenia on Saturday, September 17 - returning Saturday, September 24, 2005. While in Armenia, Senator Scott will be meeting with representatives of the Armenian government including President Robert Kocharian and Parliament President Arthur Baghdanarian. The Senator is scheduled to participate in Armenian Independence Day activities on September 21 and tour historic parts of the country. The following day he is scheduled to visit Holy Etchmiadzin and nearby churches. 7) AYF Eastern Region Holds Successful Olympic Games in Washington, DC WATERTOWN, Mass--From September 2 -5, approximately 2,500 Armenians from the East and West Coasts and Canada gathered for the annual AYF-YOARF Olympic Games, hosted by the Washington Ani chapter. 100 athletes from chapters in Boston, Providence, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Racine, Detroit, Granite City, Fairfield and Toronto competed in swimming, track and field, golf, tennis, and softball games over Labor Day weekend. On September 1, before the official start of the games, around 150 Armenian-Americans, led by the AYF Eastern Region, held a protest in front of the Azeri Embassy in Washington, DC, calling to attention the ongoing threats by Azerbaijani government officials to use military force to deny self-determination to the people of Karabagh. That evening, guests of the Olympic games went on a "Monuments by Moonlight Tour" around the capital city, which was followed by a party at Blue Gin lounge bar. The Andrews Air Force Base East Golf Course was the gathering place the following morning, where AYF members and alumni competed in the golf tournament. Matches of tennis also took place that day at Catholic University. Attendees also enjoyed the opportunity for a tour of Washington, DC organized by the Olympics Steering Committee. Later that night, AYF athletes competed in swimming races in front of a large crowd cheering them on in the stands at Catholic University. By night, AYF alumni and supporters gathered for the annual alumni dance at the official hotel of the games, Grant Hyatt Washington. Meanwhile, AYF members and guests danced the night away to the music of the Michael Gostanian Enesemble and DJ Terk, followed by performances by Nune Yesayan. On September 3, AYF members woke up early to start the all-day softball tournament, where teams from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Granite City/Racine, New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit, Providence and Toronto battled it out, until around 6:00 p.m., when the Providence chapter beat out the team from New Jersey in an action-packed final game. Singer Nersik Ispiryan, along with the Aravod Ensemble and DJ Terk, provided the entertainment for the evening. "I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of music we heard this year. Each musician and band that performed this weekend brought their own unique sound to us each evening and the end result was the same, a jam-packed dance floor," said Washington AYF chapter member Nora Keomurjian. Track and field events rounded out the athletic competitions, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on September 4, at the Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington. An enthusiastic crowd cheered runners and field athletes, as they competed in relay races and individual races, as well field events including shot put, discus and long jump. Midway through the day, athletes marched with their teams onto the field for the opening ceremonies. Guests addressing the gathering included ARF Eastern Region Central Committee chairman Hayg Oshagan; Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan; AYF Central Executive chairman Antranig Kzirian; and Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian. Then, members of last year's hosting chapter, the Chicago Ararat chapter, carried the torch around the track, eventually passing it on to two members of the Washington Ani chapter, who lit the torch as the official start of the AYF Olympic games. Prior to the running of the torch, AYF athletes recited the Olympic oath, pledging good sportsmanship and to stay "loyal to the traditions of the AYF Olympics and applaud the victor and defeated alike." On Monday, guests attended a farewell picnic near the hotel. "The games brought our organization together. I felt that everyone participated in the activities and games during the day, and the dances at night. Our chapters were especially united this year, during the protest that we held at the Azeri Embassy before the start of the games," said Greater Boston AYF chapter member Anny Deirmenjian. Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) serves as the youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (YOARF). The AYF stands on five pillars that guide its activities: education, political awareness, fellowship, athletics and culture. Moreover, the AYF promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for the diversity of ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together and realize its objectives. 8) Shushi Music School Society's 2005 Summer Camp a Success Founded in 1994 in Los Angeles, the Shushi Music School Society aims to support the Daniel Ghazaryan School located in Shushi, in the heart of Mountainous Karabagh Republic. Following years of Azeri occupation and the ensuing depopulation of Shushi, the institution, with a current student body of 100, aims to enable future generations to use their superior background in music to contribute to the much needed cultural reawakening and strengthening of the ancient city of Shushi. To date, the Shushi Music School Society has accomplished much--thanks to the generous contributions of many individuals and organizations in the community. Some of these accomplishments include the complete renovation of the main building of the school where instruction and performances take place. The children can thus pursue their education in an environment that is conducive to student learning. The construction of a concert Hall within this main building was also completed this past May. Aside from the vast physical improvements to the campus, a basketball court with a sitting capacity of 150 and a soccer field accommodating 200 spectators were built since 2003. These facilities are truly unique amidst an area where rubbles are a constant reminder of the devastation caused by the war and were constructed not only for the students of Daniel Ghazaryan, but also for the children of Shushi and its neighboring villages. An outdoor playground will also be completed by summer of 2006. In 2004, a group of five volunteers from the Los Angeles area ran a three day long summer basketball camp at Daniel Ghazaryan for the children of Shushi and Stepanakert. The camp generated so much enthusiasm amongst the camp attendees and the volunteers that the Shushi Music School Society Board of Directors decided to organize a six day long Summer Camp on the school premises from July 15 to July 21 2005. A total of 23 volunteers from Los Angeles, mostly college students, lead the various programs for over 70 camp participants. The travel expenses of many of the student volunteers were subsidized thanks to various individuals and businesses in Los Angeles. Daily activities at the camp included clinics and games in basketball, volleyball and soccer, and classes in English language, computers, arts and crafts, and dance. Moreover, to educate the camp attendees on important health issues, lectures were presented on the harmful effects of tobacco and smoking and the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Following an opening ceremony, various teams from Shushi and Stepanankert also competed in basketball and soccer tournaments. The winning teams were presented with trophies and all camp participants received the official Summer Camp 2005 T-Shirts. On the final day of camp, a gathering was held at the school's Concert Hall. The campers who had attended the English language classes sang a song in English. The dance students performed a dance they had learned. Finally, the students of Daniel Ghazaryan School entertained the volunteers as they performed on various musical instruments. Summer Camp 2005 was a unique experience not only for the Children of Shushi, but it also had a great impact on the lives of the young volunteers from Los Angeles. Lena Berghoudian, a freshman student at Pierce College, describes the children's amazing dedication to further their knowledge in various arenas as follows: "The children were bright, alert and prepared. I was extremely astounded by their eagerness to acquire knowledge, whether in learning a new dance step, a new language, or even a new sport. Furthermore, their productivity and progress throughout the course of the camp encouraged me, as well as my fellow volunteer peers, to challenge their abilities. Soon, the English class exceeded its plan to teach the basic principles of the language by developing into an extensive study of composition and grammar. The computer lessons, which were aimed at teaching the fundamentals of operating a computer, transformed into complex sessions exercising a variety of programs, challenging their learning, reading and typing capabilities. Their ability and willingness to learn new information in such little time astonished me." Andrew Vartanian, a freshman student at UC Irvine, gives the following description of the character of the children of Shushi: " The children, who don't have much to look forward to, are the happiest and most cunning children I have ever met, as they roam around in the rubbles of Shushi. It was truly astonishing to see what great minds could develop of such kids that are so much less fortunate. I comprehended how granted we take life and not appreciate it." And as for the camp attendees' parents' reactions to the camp experience, he adds the following:" The hardest part of all was having a mother come up to us, hug us and tell us with tears in her eyes how grateful she was that we were able to bring joy to these kids' lives and make this camp experience one that will forever remain in their hearts." Reflecting on her moving conversations with the children of Shushi, Paleny Topjian, a freshman at UCLA reminisces: "While watching one of the soccer games, a little girl sat next to me and started inquiring. The questions were so many and her curiosity was so genuine, I was moved and began to accumulate questions myself. Questions like, what did this place have to offer all these children? What was their everyday life like in this land of ruins? Our presence was so exciting for them, and our departure so devastating, that I felt a little guilty for giving them something that we had to take away so quickly. The most touching question that I'll never forget was one posed by a girl a few years younger than me: she asked, 'Why are you guys so good?' At first, this question didn't make sense to me, and I thought I didn't understand because of the differences in our dialects; but, when I asked her to repeat herself, I understood that she was asking why we were so generous and I began to think: have I really gone so out of my way? I mean, there I was with my best friend, and a group of wonderful people my age, having one of the most memorable times of my life, and a girl half way across the world thought that we were one of the most generous group of people in the world to do the things we were doing, and again I felt guilty. I promised a lot of children I would return next year and stay longer. I hope I can keep my promise, and bring more joy and hope into their lives. I know I can't make all their dreams come true, but I know I can make a little difference in their lives. I know because I already have." Maral Der-Sarkissian, a freshman college student at Berkeley, says at the conclusion of Summer Camp 2005: "I will forever remember the two weeks I spent in Shushi before going off to college. Even though I was there to touch the lives of children living in Karabagh, I find myself reflecting on the experience and realizing that they affected me so much more than I could have ever affected them. A new vigor awakened within me." Finally, Gohar Mkrtichyan, the principal of Daniel Ghazaryan, evaluates the Summer Camp 2005 project as follows: "I sincerely hope that this wonderful project organized by the Shushi Music School Society will become a yearly tradition, as it has for the past two years. Indeed, amidst the ruins that we live in, this summer camp experience, albeit a short one, brings a ray of sunshine into our lives and is a unique opportunity to bring young Armenians living in different areas of the world together. The children's only consolation at the completion of the program is the promise that it will repeat itself again next summer." For more information about the Society's projects, including additional pictures about the summer camp, or to make a tax-deductible donation for a specific project, visit <; or contact the Society at: Shushi Music School Society 6000 Topeka Dr., Tarzana, CA 91356. 9) Critics' Forum Theater Homelands Faraway, So Close By Aram Kouyoumdjian Just as I was preparing to reread Leslie Ayvazian's `Nine Armenians,' I was handed a copy of a new anthology that surveys plays written in English by authors of Armenian ancestry. `Contemporary Armenian American Drama,' edited by Nishan Parlakian and published by Columbia University Press, is a handsome volume comprised of eight plays culled from the past three decades. It opens with Raffi (Ralph) Arzoomanian's short `Ellis Island 101' and closes with Joyce Van Dyke's `A Girl's War.' It also includes `Nine Armenians.' This high-quality publication merits further discussion, and I will return to it at a later date. Today, I wish to take up Ayvazian's entry--a 1995 work that has been staged at some of the most prestigious American regional theaters, coast to coast. Along with Richard Kalinoski's `Beast on the Moon,' it is probably the most widely produced play by or about Armenians in recent years. I had read `Nine Armenians' some years back in the no-frills acting edition published by Dramatists Play Service (which eschews such trifle matters as, say, proofreading). I had also seen two stage versions a polished, professional mounting at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and a disappointing, dismal effort (by Golden Thread Productions) at the Magic Theater in San Francisco. I decided to revisit the text after reviewing Turkish-American dramatist Sinan Unel's `Pera Palas,' which led me to contemplate how ethnic playwrights portray their ancestral homelands in their scripts. In my previous article (`Culture Clash in `Pera Palas''), I had equated Unel's play to `a love letter to Turkey,' even though it negotiated the delicate terrain between a country's past and present problems, and its future promise. As I approached Ayvazian's text anew, I primarily focused on its depiction of Armenia. What imagery, I wondered, had Ayvazian used to evoke a country that is both distant and near? Ayvazian's affinity for her ancestral nation was obvious. Yet, the writing was shaped by a perspective fraught by a tendency to lament and pity. And it began in the very first scene: `The Armenians are starving.' Not a page went by when I was struck with `Aman ... we are dying.' Similar images appeared in subsequent scenes, with characters describing Armenia as a `dangerous,' `uncomfortable,' and `cold' place, where `[t]he children draw black suns ... [a]lways black suns in the sky.' In all fairness, Ayvazian's play is set in 1992 and unfolds within the context of the devastating economic blockade of Armenia by its hostile neighbors, which deprived the country of essential food and fuel. Certainly, Ayvazian has a writer's prerogative to offer an artistic response to that dire situation. The language she employs for this purpose, however, verges on the melodramatic, as illustrated by such emotional outbursts as `Armenia has no allies! It is unprotected!' Occasionally, the writing even becomes condescending when, for instance, Ayvazian reduces the sole character in the play who actually lives in Armenia to a starving man who begs for bread. This condescension is compounded by the self-importance Ayvazian attaches to her diasporan characters, who consider themselves saviors of their beleaguered homeland because they will `help' by bearing witness: Ani: What will you do there [in Armenia], Mom? Armine: I will sit. Ani: Sit? Armine: Ya, I will sit. Ani: Sit? Armine: Ya. I will sit with the children in the orphanages. Louise: She will watch. In truth, Ayvazian's diasporan characters are ineffective onlookers, unable to do more than `sit' and `watch.' But as she opts to write in earnest tones, without a hint of irony, Ayvazian misses the falsity of the solace these characters derive from their noblesse oblige. Ayvazian does allude to aspects of Armenia's beauty, although most of them are associated with ancient history or tradition. She momentarily revels in the vistas of Ararat, casts an affectionate glance on the craft of sewing lace, and lovingly accentuates her words with instances of Armenian song and dance. Incomprehensibly enough, however, she sidesteps modern triumphs. She ignores the fact that only a year before the events of her play, Armenia had attained independence after 70 years of Soviet rule; its borders were once again open to its dispersed people; and sweeping changes in all fabrics of life were afoot. The play shies away from the complex issues raised by the phenomenal shifts in the country's political, economic, and social landscapes. Instead, it takes a more simplistic approach one that embraces the oft-repeated notion that `suffering' is fundamental to the Armenian experience. And therein lies the true pity. Aram Kouyoumdjian is the winner of Elly Awards for playwriting (`The Farewells') and directing (`Three Hotels'). You can reach him or any of the other contributors to Critics' Forum at criticsforum@sbcglobal.net. 10) First Sierra Summit By Garen Yegparian Last weekend was quite an experience as I attended the first ever convention-expo organized by the Sierra Club. The first of its four components was organizational. The Sierra Club priority setting was conducted by consulting with some 700 delegates gathered from around the country. Ultimately, energy issues became the top priority with liveable communities (enviro-speak for rational, well planned, non-sprawl-based cities and towns) coming in second. Of course, saving wildlands, water issues, pollution and others rounded out the list. Subsequently, how these might best be tackled was addressed by querying the delegates as to the perceived strengths of the Club. This was a first effort, and procedurally lacking, and will undoubtedly improve in the future. The exposition was, simply, an environmental "trade show." Not only were various products- from hybrid cars to snack food bars- displayed, but adventure tourism outfitters, publishers of outdoors and environmental books, and Google were on hand. You could even have your body's mercury levels checked- think coal burning power plants spewing that poison into the air, thence through the food chain into YOU. Supporting all this were the exhibits of accomplishments prepared by dozens of Sierra Club entities from local groups to countrywide campaigns. Fifty-six panels addressed classes of issues ranging from living well to environmental expression through art, from engaging youth to outdoor adventure and more. Speakers came from a dizzying variety of backgrounds, including a Starbuck's representative, Sierra Club activists and staff, people earning their living by engaging in environmentally positive activities, government officials, hunters, and professors. In the last of these categories was the most interesting, George Lakoff, whose book "Don't Think of An Elephan"t I'd long wanted, purchased, and got his autograph on. It's a fascinating, informative, and guiding analysis of frames- ideas that shape perceptions and use the power of language. The best example is that every time the Turks say "there was no genocide," they're using the word genocide and shooting themselves in the foot! Every activist of conscience should read this book, written as a "field guide" based on a more detailed Lakoff study of underlying principles driving Americans' political understandings, leanings, and actions. Finally, the inspirational component of this gathering was truly potent and moving: Al Gore, Bobby Kennedy Jr., Bill Maher, and Arianna Huffington, in order of appearance. If Gore had spoken during his presidential campaign the way he did to the Sierra Club, the world would not be burdened with the murderous, incompetent, profiteering, and immoral cabal that now holds the reins of power in Washington, DC. Bill Maher slew the audience with his scathing critique of the current US regime, remarking that the only person to lose his/her job as a result of the September 11 attacks was... himself. Arianna was, as usual, right on point and biting with her wry presentation of our political plight. However, Kennedy stole the show, despite his late arrival while Liisa Margossian led 2000+ people in a yoga session. He had people in tears. The amalgamation of facts, first-principles, patriotism, humanity, and the gift of oratory (Kennedy clan's built-in legacy?) made for an incredibly powerful speech that had people riveted for over an hour (no ADD there...) Hurricane Katrina's human exacerbated havoc became a natural focus of discussion since our destructive doings- reckless disregard for the ramifications of increased CO2 in the atmosphere (global warming) and destruction of coastal wetlands made the hurricane stronger and the coast less able to withstand its onslaught, respectively. These and other warnings of the dangers of treading too heavily on our planet have been written off as alarmist. Perhaps now enough of a global consensus will arise since people are asking how and why this could have happened. This of course is the Sierra Club's bread and butter, "To Explore, Enjoy, and Protect" our planet. With regard to government incompetence, Carl Pope, the Sierra Club's executive director, told an interesting story; he happened to be in India shortly before the Sierra Summit, when Bombay was hit with torrential rains, in excess of three feet in about half a day. In less than a day, everyone had food and water. Those needing evacuation were out in a handful of hours, through the use of every bus in the city being conscripted to this life-saving use. The US of A has not the ability to do the same for a much smaller city? As a nation that's lived through a similar human exacerbated tragedy- the Sbeedag earthquake- we would do well and wisely to heed the warnings of climate and other scientists. We should join our fellow humans to save the planet, Armenia- liberated and occupied- and all that lives thereon from 'civilization's' century-long, callous abuse of the natural world. 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