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09/16/2005
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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
[email protected] or Bedros Bandazian at [email protected].
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: [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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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