Day: April 2, 2024
Categories
NPR News: 04-02-2024 2PM EDT
On April 2nd, Armenia’s Ambassador to UK Varuzhan Nersesyan briefed students of St. Andrews University on Armenia’s foreign policy priorities.
Ambassador Nersesyan delivered an insightful presentation, delving into the core tenets of Armenia’s foreign policy and its overarching objectives on the global stage. He outlined Armenia’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and beyond. In this context, Ambassador Nersesyan presented the Crossroads of Peace project as a platform to bring peace and stability to the South Caucasus.
During the lecture, Ambassador Nersesyan elucidated Armenia’s strategic partnerships and engagements with other nations, highlighting the signing of last year’s Strategic Dialogue between Armenia and the UK and its role in addressing shared challenges and advancing common interests. He underscored Armenia’s dedication to upholding international law, human rights, and democratic principles in its interactions with the global community.
The interactive session that followed allowed students to engage directly with Ambassador Nersesyan, posing questions and engaging in constructive dialogue in regards Armenia’s foreign policy agenda.
The Ambassador expressed his sincere appreciation to St. Andrews University for hosting the event and wished students all the best in their upcoming examinations.
Three foreigners who painted graffiti on Baku metro cars were brought to criminal charges.
This is stated in a statement from the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
During the investigation, strong suspicions were established that Australian citizen R. Han Paul, New Zealand citizen Ismael De Saint Quent…
The Tekeyan Cultural Association on March 23 organized a staging of Vatche Adrouni’s “Khoskeh Mechernis” by the Azad Pem Theater Group. The event took place at the AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performing Art Center in Pasadena, Calif., and was followed by a gala, which was held in the Center’s quad.
In attendance were more than 350 community members, as well as members of the Armenian theater community, including Krikor Satamian and Vahe Berberian, among others—several of whom were former members of the AGBU Vahram Papazian Theater Group in Beirut, Lebanon.
In her welcoming remarks, Lora Kuyumjian, Chairman of Azad Pem, spoke on the cultural significance of the TCA and its initiatives, specifically the new theatre group. The weekend marked Azad Pem’s first-ever performance, which proved to be a success with nearly 450 attendees on opening night.
Following Kouyoumjian’s remarks, Mayda Kuredjian, the Executive Secretary of the TCA Western United States and Canada, took to the podium to welcome attendees. Kuredjian highlighted the importance of Armenian theater, while adding that engaging with the youth and encouraging them to participate is vital to sustaining such initiatives.
Directed by Vartan Megerdichian, who plays the role of Boghos, “Khoskeh Mechernis” centers on Nina and Setrag, a young couple who yearn to be together, but Nina’s parents disapprove. The play explores powerful themes, such as love, familial conflict, and friendship. Although he’s known for directing several plays in Lebanon, the performance is the first Megerdichian has directed in Los Angeles.
“Vartan Megerdichian is an incredibly gifted actor who, over the years, has become a prominent member of the Lebanese Armenian theatre community. After performing in more than 20 plays, and directing a series of productions, this ‘crazy’ and charming actor has left an indelible mark on Lebanese Armenian modern theater,” said playwright Vatche Adrouni.
“Khoskeh Mechernis” features Vartan Megerdichian, Narine Avakian, Linda Gergerian-Megerditchian, Arpi Samuelian, Sossy Varjabedian, Aram Mouradyan, Roupen Harmandian, Henry Abadjian, Arthur Abousefian, and Haig Ourishian. Several of the performers are veteran actors who have participated in Armenian theatre groups in the U.S., Lebanon, Canada.
Later, attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception of delicacies and drinks in the AGBU Performing Arts Center quad, while renowned artist Razmig Khatchigian performed on the piano.
The final staging of “Khoskeh Mechernis” at the AGBU Performing Arts Center will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online.
Azad Pem is also set to perform “Khoskeh Mechernis” at Fresno’s St. Paul Armenian Church on May 5 at 4:30 p.m.. The church is located at 3767 N First St., Fresno, CA 93726.
The Azad Pem theater group was founded by the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Pasadena-Glendale Chapter in 2023 with the aim of inspiring joy, engaging with the community, and helping to foster a love and appreciation for theater in Armenian youth. Follow Azad Pem on Instagram and Facebook to learn more.