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'GAMAVOR' STORY STIRS NORTH ANDOVER CROWD
Armenian Weekly
October 18, 2012
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.-Hourig Papazian-Sahagian has the perfect formula
for success.
As the linchpin for a musical ensemble called, "The Way We Were,"
she feels enamored by nostalgia, especially if the storyline is meant
to enhance the Armenian heritage.
The cast from 'The Gamavor Story' entertains at St. Gregory Church in
North Andover. (Violet Dagdigian photo) She'll be the first to tell
you that what we need as Armenians are better and more provocative
ways of reliving the past.
History was retold in a most unique way during a recent product of
"The Hye Legion: The Gamavor Story," staged at St. Gregory Church
before 100 guests representing three generations.
The event was sponsored by the Ladies' Guild and took place inside
Jaffarian Hall with an elaborate setting and authentic period
costumes. Had this been an Off-Broadway production, it would have
fit the mood perfectly.
In essence, we had a history lesson adapted to music and script,
conceived by an 80-something cultural guru who keeps defying the
ravages of time with her timeless productions.
"You can take the teacher out of the classroom but not the classroom
out of the teacher," said the former executive director of the
Prelacy's Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC). "My troupe
loved learning about the gamavor history as I loved teaching it along
with the songs."
The story is based on the concept Papazian-Sahagian adapted as
director/playwright. It recounts true-to-life stories of daring
search-and-rescue missions by Armenian-American volunteers (gamavors,
in Armenian) during the genocide years of 1915-23.
At that time, an alarm sounded throughout the United States, calling
for selfless volunteers to answer a call for help in their ravaged
land. Many returned to the Turkish killing fields, only to suffer
the ultimate sacrifice.
While the play is filled with intrigue, adventure, and romance,
it also features a dozen songs, many of which were familiar to viewers.
"The Merrimack Valley is replete with gamavors who left the comfort and
security of their homes to serve in battle," said Sossy Jeknavorian,
chairwoman of the Ladies' Guild. "Several people in the audience
could relate to that era. Although the production carried a strong
message about hope and survival, it was also meant to entertain and
inspire. People were singing along with the songs and applauding
loudly."
Papazian-Sahagian was presented with a bouquet of flowers after
taking a bow as a cast of 35 reached out. The ensemble made its way
from the Mid-Atlantic region, where it is based, returning the same
day in what made for a long day.
Members represent a cross-section of over three generations, born and
raised in the United States. "They derive their inspiration from the
enduring soul of the survivors, who are their cultural and spiritual
mentors," added Papazian-Sahagian. "The story must take its place in
the pages of human history as a brilliant display of extraordinary
courage."
Among those who were impressed was Steven Mahlebjian, whose sister
Lynn portrayed Soseh, the fedayee (freedom-fighter) girl.
"I never knew about the gamavor history," he said. "It just continues
to underscore the passion and dedication of our people. The patriotic
songs bring back memories of those I used to sing during my AYF days,
and really brought tears to my eyes. It's so nice to see a cultural
event that is both educational and entertaining."
One lyrical nutmeg happened to be an arrangement of "Haratch Nahadag"
composed by Maestro Parsegh Ganachian solely for the Gamavor Movement.
Other songs like "Dalvorig" and "Giligia" captured their own
spotlights.
This marked the second appearance by the troupe to Merrimack Valley,
having staged "Hello Ellis Island" two years ago at this same church.
Armenian Weekly
October 18, 2012
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.-Hourig Papazian-Sahagian has the perfect formula
for success.
As the linchpin for a musical ensemble called, "The Way We Were,"
she feels enamored by nostalgia, especially if the storyline is meant
to enhance the Armenian heritage.
The cast from 'The Gamavor Story' entertains at St. Gregory Church in
North Andover. (Violet Dagdigian photo) She'll be the first to tell
you that what we need as Armenians are better and more provocative
ways of reliving the past.
History was retold in a most unique way during a recent product of
"The Hye Legion: The Gamavor Story," staged at St. Gregory Church
before 100 guests representing three generations.
The event was sponsored by the Ladies' Guild and took place inside
Jaffarian Hall with an elaborate setting and authentic period
costumes. Had this been an Off-Broadway production, it would have
fit the mood perfectly.
In essence, we had a history lesson adapted to music and script,
conceived by an 80-something cultural guru who keeps defying the
ravages of time with her timeless productions.
"You can take the teacher out of the classroom but not the classroom
out of the teacher," said the former executive director of the
Prelacy's Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC). "My troupe
loved learning about the gamavor history as I loved teaching it along
with the songs."
The story is based on the concept Papazian-Sahagian adapted as
director/playwright. It recounts true-to-life stories of daring
search-and-rescue missions by Armenian-American volunteers (gamavors,
in Armenian) during the genocide years of 1915-23.
At that time, an alarm sounded throughout the United States, calling
for selfless volunteers to answer a call for help in their ravaged
land. Many returned to the Turkish killing fields, only to suffer
the ultimate sacrifice.
While the play is filled with intrigue, adventure, and romance,
it also features a dozen songs, many of which were familiar to viewers.
"The Merrimack Valley is replete with gamavors who left the comfort and
security of their homes to serve in battle," said Sossy Jeknavorian,
chairwoman of the Ladies' Guild. "Several people in the audience
could relate to that era. Although the production carried a strong
message about hope and survival, it was also meant to entertain and
inspire. People were singing along with the songs and applauding
loudly."
Papazian-Sahagian was presented with a bouquet of flowers after
taking a bow as a cast of 35 reached out. The ensemble made its way
from the Mid-Atlantic region, where it is based, returning the same
day in what made for a long day.
Members represent a cross-section of over three generations, born and
raised in the United States. "They derive their inspiration from the
enduring soul of the survivors, who are their cultural and spiritual
mentors," added Papazian-Sahagian. "The story must take its place in
the pages of human history as a brilliant display of extraordinary
courage."
Among those who were impressed was Steven Mahlebjian, whose sister
Lynn portrayed Soseh, the fedayee (freedom-fighter) girl.
"I never knew about the gamavor history," he said. "It just continues
to underscore the passion and dedication of our people. The patriotic
songs bring back memories of those I used to sing during my AYF days,
and really brought tears to my eyes. It's so nice to see a cultural
event that is both educational and entertaining."
One lyrical nutmeg happened to be an arrangement of "Haratch Nahadag"
composed by Maestro Parsegh Ganachian solely for the Gamavor Movement.
Other songs like "Dalvorig" and "Giligia" captured their own
spotlights.
This marked the second appearance by the troupe to Merrimack Valley,
having staged "Hello Ellis Island" two years ago at this same church.