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Herand Markarian's 'Dead Poets Society'
By Tom Vartabedian on January 29, 2015 in Tom Vartabedian
"Tonight, the spirits of the dead
In my soul and in my eyes
Are waiting for the dawn to rise."
-Siamanto (Martyred in 1915)
CONGERS, N.Y.--What better tribute for the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide than to honor our martyred dead? Whether we do it
collectively or individually, it's become a legacy which we have
preserved for the last century.
Dr. Herand Markarian
Dr. Herand Markarian has stepped forward again, but not with another
theatrical production (for which he is noted). Instead, he's compiled
a book called, The Rise of the Crimson Dawn, about the martyred
Armenian writers of 1915.
The man who brought you "Georgetown Boys," "Silence," and "Mirrors"
has completed a new project these days, one completely devoid of the
theater and stage.
He's tipping the hourglass over and delving into history, documenting
the stories of our literary elite and the price they paid during the
genocide years. It's been a work in progress, amid a dozen other
ventures this historian has undertaken.
With "Mirrors," he took us on a psychological journey through the
emotions of three people in the aftermath of the genocide. The play
was produced Off-Broadway in 1996 and later performed in California,
London, and North Andover, Mass.
Two years later, on came "The Georgetown Boys," the story of 103
orphans who were brought to Canada and trained as farmers, bringing a
new life into the new world.
He followed that up with a gem called "Silence in a Circular Rainbow,"
a play commissioned by the New York State Theater Institute.
In between projects, such as another theater production and an
endeavor called "Testimonies," where stories of our ancestors' ordeals
are being documented, the 76-year-old is now off on another tangent.
It's all neatly packaged under a non-profit umbrella called Libra-6
which pursues art, culture, and theater.
"Genocides interrupt the growth of artistic and literary values," he
points out. "In a larger scale, it curtails the growth and progress of
humanity. Genocide is a crime against humanity."
In this book, Markarian has focused solely upon the literary aspect of
the Armenian Genocide. He has chosen the most prominent writers who
perished over that time period. They ranged in age from 30 to 65. All
of them were masters of their craft, unique in their style and
approach.
Included are the biographies and literary works of Hrant (Melkon
Gyoorjian), Tulgadintsi (Hovhanness Harootyoonian), Krikor Zohrab,
Smpad Pyoorad (Der Ghazariantz), Yerookhan (Yervant
Srmaskeshkhanlian), Ardashes Harootyoonian, Roopen Zartarian, Diran
Chrakian (Indra), Siamanto (Adom Yarjanian), Kegham Parseghian, Taniel
Varouzhan, Dikran Chogyoorian, and Roupen Sevag (Chilingirian).
All but Diran Chrakian were martyred in 1915. Chrakian was killed in
1921, shortly after the Independent Republic. He was 46. Youngest of
the lot was Sevag who was but 30.
"If you gathered all that wisdom, that intellect, the literature they
were deprived of writing, it was merciless," he tells us.
Markarian took it upon itself to memorialize these treasures. He's
translated two pieces from each of the prose writers and a varied
number of poems from the poets.
The book has three distinct parts:
Part 1: Historical Background, Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, Evolution
of Armenian Literature and Armenian Literature in the 19th Century.
Part 2: The Path of Martyrdom of Writers and Eyewitness Accounts.
Part 3: Biographies and Literary Works.
"On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, I
hope this gives the recognition that they well deserve," he says. "One
can only imagine how much the monetary loss of these 1.5 million
victims would amount to today, never mind the centuries-old
masterpieces of unique architecture, churches, monasteries, schools,
and villages."
To say Markarian is passionate about the genocide is quite the
understatement. He continues to remain a catalyst in the preservation
and enhancement of our heritage, whether written, spoken, or staged.
He may not be the ultimate answer to the Armenian Question but at
least he's addressing it.
I've heard it said many times that if a name or place is out of sight,
it becomes out of mind. Markarian reminds us that our literary history
is still profound and rich, even after 100 years of oblivion.
He tells us that time may erode our senses but won't erase the memory
of those who put their finest words to paper and bolstered our place
in the literary Valhalla. In many ways, we're so busy planning
genocide commemorations and looking for recognition that we're apt to
become mindless of the past.
I did not recognize many of the writers he mentions in his book. It's
good to hear their names and read their stories and poems. It's nice
that they are being remembered.
Herand Markarian's 'Dead Poets Society'
By Tom Vartabedian on January 29, 2015 in Tom Vartabedian // 0 Comments // //
click for more
"Tonight, the spirits of the dead
In my soul and in my eyes
Are waiting for the dawn to rise."
-Siamanto (Martyred in 1915)
CONGERS, N.Y.--What better tribute for the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide than to honor our martyred dead? Whether we do it
collectively or individually, it's become a legacy which we have
preserved for the last century.
Dr. Herand Markarian
Dr. Herand Markarian has stepped forward again, but not with another
theatrical production (for which he is noted). Instead, he's compiled
a book called, The Rise of the Crimson Dawn, about the martyred
Armenian writers of 1915.
The man who brought you "Georgetown Boys," "Silence," and "Mirrors"
has completed a new project these days, one completely devoid of the
theater and stage.
He's tipping the hourglass over and delving into history, documenting
the stories of our literary elite and the price they paid during the
genocide years. It's been a work in progress, amid a dozen other
ventures this historian has undertaken.
With "Mirrors," he took us on a psychological journey through the
emotions of three people in the aftermath of the genocide. The play
was produced Off-Broadway in 1996 and later performed in California,
London, and North Andover, Mass.
Two years later, on came "The Georgetown Boys," the story of 103
orphans who were brought to Canada and trained as farmers, bringing a
new life into the new world.
He followed that up with a gem called "Silence in a Circular Rainbow,"
a play commissioned by the New York State Theater Institute.
In between projects, such as another theater production and an
endeavor called "Testimonies," where stories of our ancestors' ordeals
are being documented, the 76-year-old is now off on another tangent.
It's all neatly packaged under a non-profit umbrella called Libra-6
which pursues art, culture, and theater.
"Genocides interrupt the growth of artistic and literary values," he
points out. "In a larger scale, it curtails the growth and progress of
humanity. Genocide is a crime against humanity."
In this book, Markarian has focused solely upon the literary aspect of
the Armenian Genocide. He has chosen the most prominent writers who
perished over that time period. They ranged in age from 30 to 65. All
of them were masters of their craft, unique in their style and
approach.
Included are the biographies and literary works of Hrant (Melkon
Gyoorjian), Tulgadintsi (Hovhanness Harootyoonian), Krikor Zohrab,
Smpad Pyoorad (Der Ghazariantz), Yerookhan (Yervant
Srmaskeshkhanlian), Ardashes Harootyoonian, Roopen Zartarian, Diran
Chrakian (Indra), Siamanto (Adom Yarjanian), Kegham Parseghian, Taniel
Varouzhan, Dikran Chogyoorian, and Roupen Sevag (Chilingirian).
All but Diran Chrakian were martyred in 1915. Chrakian was killed in
1921, shortly after the Independent Republic. He was 46. Youngest of
the lot was Sevag who was but 30.
"If you gathered all that wisdom, that intellect, the literature they
were deprived of writing, it was merciless," he tells us.
Markarian took it upon itself to memorialize these treasures. He's
translated two pieces from each of the prose writers and a varied
number of poems from the poets.
The book has three distinct parts:
Part 1: Historical Background, Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, Evolution
of Armenian Literature and Armenian Literature in the 19th Century.
Part 2: The Path of Martyrdom of Writers and Eyewitness Accounts.
Part 3: Biographies and Literary Works.
"On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, I
hope this gives the recognition that they well deserve," he says. "One
can only imagine how much the monetary loss of these 1.5 million
victims would amount to today, never mind the centuries-old
masterpieces of unique architecture, churches, monasteries, schools,
and villages."
To say Markarian is passionate about the genocide is quite the
understatement. He continues to remain a catalyst in the preservation
and enhancement of our heritage, whether written, spoken, or staged.
He may not be the ultimate answer to the Armenian Question but at
least he's addressing it.
I've heard it said many times that if a name or place is out of sight,
it becomes out of mind. Markarian reminds us that our literary history
is still profound and rich, even after 100 years of oblivion.
He tells us that time may erode our senses but won't erase the memory
of those who put their finest words to paper and bolstered our place
in the literary Valhalla. In many ways, we're so busy planning
genocide commemorations and looking for recognition that we're apt to
become mindless of the past.
I did not recognize many of the writers he mentions in his book. It's
good to hear their names and read their stories and poems. It's nice
that they are being remembered.
From: A. Papazian
By Tom Vartabedian on January 29, 2015 in Tom Vartabedian
"Tonight, the spirits of the dead
In my soul and in my eyes
Are waiting for the dawn to rise."
-Siamanto (Martyred in 1915)
CONGERS, N.Y.--What better tribute for the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide than to honor our martyred dead? Whether we do it
collectively or individually, it's become a legacy which we have
preserved for the last century.
Dr. Herand Markarian
Dr. Herand Markarian has stepped forward again, but not with another
theatrical production (for which he is noted). Instead, he's compiled
a book called, The Rise of the Crimson Dawn, about the martyred
Armenian writers of 1915.
The man who brought you "Georgetown Boys," "Silence," and "Mirrors"
has completed a new project these days, one completely devoid of the
theater and stage.
He's tipping the hourglass over and delving into history, documenting
the stories of our literary elite and the price they paid during the
genocide years. It's been a work in progress, amid a dozen other
ventures this historian has undertaken.
With "Mirrors," he took us on a psychological journey through the
emotions of three people in the aftermath of the genocide. The play
was produced Off-Broadway in 1996 and later performed in California,
London, and North Andover, Mass.
Two years later, on came "The Georgetown Boys," the story of 103
orphans who were brought to Canada and trained as farmers, bringing a
new life into the new world.
He followed that up with a gem called "Silence in a Circular Rainbow,"
a play commissioned by the New York State Theater Institute.
In between projects, such as another theater production and an
endeavor called "Testimonies," where stories of our ancestors' ordeals
are being documented, the 76-year-old is now off on another tangent.
It's all neatly packaged under a non-profit umbrella called Libra-6
which pursues art, culture, and theater.
"Genocides interrupt the growth of artistic and literary values," he
points out. "In a larger scale, it curtails the growth and progress of
humanity. Genocide is a crime against humanity."
In this book, Markarian has focused solely upon the literary aspect of
the Armenian Genocide. He has chosen the most prominent writers who
perished over that time period. They ranged in age from 30 to 65. All
of them were masters of their craft, unique in their style and
approach.
Included are the biographies and literary works of Hrant (Melkon
Gyoorjian), Tulgadintsi (Hovhanness Harootyoonian), Krikor Zohrab,
Smpad Pyoorad (Der Ghazariantz), Yerookhan (Yervant
Srmaskeshkhanlian), Ardashes Harootyoonian, Roopen Zartarian, Diran
Chrakian (Indra), Siamanto (Adom Yarjanian), Kegham Parseghian, Taniel
Varouzhan, Dikran Chogyoorian, and Roupen Sevag (Chilingirian).
All but Diran Chrakian were martyred in 1915. Chrakian was killed in
1921, shortly after the Independent Republic. He was 46. Youngest of
the lot was Sevag who was but 30.
"If you gathered all that wisdom, that intellect, the literature they
were deprived of writing, it was merciless," he tells us.
Markarian took it upon itself to memorialize these treasures. He's
translated two pieces from each of the prose writers and a varied
number of poems from the poets.
The book has three distinct parts:
Part 1: Historical Background, Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, Evolution
of Armenian Literature and Armenian Literature in the 19th Century.
Part 2: The Path of Martyrdom of Writers and Eyewitness Accounts.
Part 3: Biographies and Literary Works.
"On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, I
hope this gives the recognition that they well deserve," he says. "One
can only imagine how much the monetary loss of these 1.5 million
victims would amount to today, never mind the centuries-old
masterpieces of unique architecture, churches, monasteries, schools,
and villages."
To say Markarian is passionate about the genocide is quite the
understatement. He continues to remain a catalyst in the preservation
and enhancement of our heritage, whether written, spoken, or staged.
He may not be the ultimate answer to the Armenian Question but at
least he's addressing it.
I've heard it said many times that if a name or place is out of sight,
it becomes out of mind. Markarian reminds us that our literary history
is still profound and rich, even after 100 years of oblivion.
He tells us that time may erode our senses but won't erase the memory
of those who put their finest words to paper and bolstered our place
in the literary Valhalla. In many ways, we're so busy planning
genocide commemorations and looking for recognition that we're apt to
become mindless of the past.
I did not recognize many of the writers he mentions in his book. It's
good to hear their names and read their stories and poems. It's nice
that they are being remembered.
Herand Markarian's 'Dead Poets Society'
By Tom Vartabedian on January 29, 2015 in Tom Vartabedian // 0 Comments // //
click for more
"Tonight, the spirits of the dead
In my soul and in my eyes
Are waiting for the dawn to rise."
-Siamanto (Martyred in 1915)
CONGERS, N.Y.--What better tribute for the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide than to honor our martyred dead? Whether we do it
collectively or individually, it's become a legacy which we have
preserved for the last century.
Dr. Herand Markarian
Dr. Herand Markarian has stepped forward again, but not with another
theatrical production (for which he is noted). Instead, he's compiled
a book called, The Rise of the Crimson Dawn, about the martyred
Armenian writers of 1915.
The man who brought you "Georgetown Boys," "Silence," and "Mirrors"
has completed a new project these days, one completely devoid of the
theater and stage.
He's tipping the hourglass over and delving into history, documenting
the stories of our literary elite and the price they paid during the
genocide years. It's been a work in progress, amid a dozen other
ventures this historian has undertaken.
With "Mirrors," he took us on a psychological journey through the
emotions of three people in the aftermath of the genocide. The play
was produced Off-Broadway in 1996 and later performed in California,
London, and North Andover, Mass.
Two years later, on came "The Georgetown Boys," the story of 103
orphans who were brought to Canada and trained as farmers, bringing a
new life into the new world.
He followed that up with a gem called "Silence in a Circular Rainbow,"
a play commissioned by the New York State Theater Institute.
In between projects, such as another theater production and an
endeavor called "Testimonies," where stories of our ancestors' ordeals
are being documented, the 76-year-old is now off on another tangent.
It's all neatly packaged under a non-profit umbrella called Libra-6
which pursues art, culture, and theater.
"Genocides interrupt the growth of artistic and literary values," he
points out. "In a larger scale, it curtails the growth and progress of
humanity. Genocide is a crime against humanity."
In this book, Markarian has focused solely upon the literary aspect of
the Armenian Genocide. He has chosen the most prominent writers who
perished over that time period. They ranged in age from 30 to 65. All
of them were masters of their craft, unique in their style and
approach.
Included are the biographies and literary works of Hrant (Melkon
Gyoorjian), Tulgadintsi (Hovhanness Harootyoonian), Krikor Zohrab,
Smpad Pyoorad (Der Ghazariantz), Yerookhan (Yervant
Srmaskeshkhanlian), Ardashes Harootyoonian, Roopen Zartarian, Diran
Chrakian (Indra), Siamanto (Adom Yarjanian), Kegham Parseghian, Taniel
Varouzhan, Dikran Chogyoorian, and Roupen Sevag (Chilingirian).
All but Diran Chrakian were martyred in 1915. Chrakian was killed in
1921, shortly after the Independent Republic. He was 46. Youngest of
the lot was Sevag who was but 30.
"If you gathered all that wisdom, that intellect, the literature they
were deprived of writing, it was merciless," he tells us.
Markarian took it upon itself to memorialize these treasures. He's
translated two pieces from each of the prose writers and a varied
number of poems from the poets.
The book has three distinct parts:
Part 1: Historical Background, Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, Evolution
of Armenian Literature and Armenian Literature in the 19th Century.
Part 2: The Path of Martyrdom of Writers and Eyewitness Accounts.
Part 3: Biographies and Literary Works.
"On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, I
hope this gives the recognition that they well deserve," he says. "One
can only imagine how much the monetary loss of these 1.5 million
victims would amount to today, never mind the centuries-old
masterpieces of unique architecture, churches, monasteries, schools,
and villages."
To say Markarian is passionate about the genocide is quite the
understatement. He continues to remain a catalyst in the preservation
and enhancement of our heritage, whether written, spoken, or staged.
He may not be the ultimate answer to the Armenian Question but at
least he's addressing it.
I've heard it said many times that if a name or place is out of sight,
it becomes out of mind. Markarian reminds us that our literary history
is still profound and rich, even after 100 years of oblivion.
He tells us that time may erode our senses but won't erase the memory
of those who put their finest words to paper and bolstered our place
in the literary Valhalla. In many ways, we're so busy planning
genocide commemorations and looking for recognition that we're apt to
become mindless of the past.
I did not recognize many of the writers he mentions in his book. It's
good to hear their names and read their stories and poems. It's nice
that they are being remembered.
From: A. Papazian