Artsakh
On July 29, 2018, the theater lovers of Artsakh had the opportunity to watch the mono drama Khrimian Hayrig staged by the American-Armenian stage director, actor, playwright, scientist, Dr. Hrant Markarian. The event was organized by the Hamazkayin Artsakh Office in cooperation with Vahram Papazian State Dramatic Theater of Stepanakert.
Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, Vahram Balayan, MP of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, Representative of the ARF Artsakh Chapter, Davit Ishkhanian, MP of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, Rita Mnatsakanyan, Minister of Culture, Youth Affairs and Tourism of Artsakh, Lernik Havhannisyan, Minister of Education, Science and Sport of Artsakh, Narine Aghabalian, Member of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Deacon Samvel Mkrtchyan, guests and theater lovers of Artsakh attended the event.
Hermine Avagyan, the responsible officer of the Hamazkayin Artsakh Office, delivered the opening speech. She mentioned that the mono drama staged in Artsakh for the first time was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Association and the 100th anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. She also mentioned the importance of such performances and that it was a unique patriotic lesson for everyone.
According to H. Avagian, the performance has been played in different cities of the world followed by fervent reactions. The whole proceeds of the performance have been provided to the Artsakh Defense Army. "Dr. Hrant Markarian’s literary and cultural heritage is immense and his biography is rich and exemplary. In a few words, I would characterize him as a person dedicated to his Homeland, culture, or simply to his work," H. Avagyan said.
The performance, lasting about an hour and ten minutes, was not just a play but a reality. It seemed that Hayrig himself was talking to the audience, conveying his message and asserting that the highest goals of the Armenians can only be reached by force, unity, weapon and will.
The scrupulous audience of Artsakh watched the performance with great interest. It won heavy, enthusiastic applause at the end.