It will be yet another daring enterprise by the Tekeyan Cultural Association to present one of the masterpieces of Armenia’s prominent playwright Berj Zeytountian’s “All rise! The court is in session” drama performed by the association’s “Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group.” in April next year. The play recounts the trial proceedings of justiciar Soghomon Tehlerian who avenged the extermination of his nation and his family by shooting Talaat Pasha in the head, in Berlin, on the 14^th of March 1921.

The theatre committee has specially invited for this purpose the multi-talented directorGerald Papasian from Paris to stage the play. The cast includes 25 actors and actresses of various ages. Next the company’s  all-time regulars, new-comers will also take part, among whom a 92 year old grandfather symbolizing the elderly generation in this 100^th anniversary inter-Armenian manifestation.

Rehearsals are already underway for the past two months in the Tekeyan center. The cast is now complete and a technical crew of 20 young members is at work to insure all aspects of lights, sound, music, costumes and sets, striving to bring about some unprecedented innovations.

The performance will take place on the 12^th of April, 2015, Sunday afternoon, inManhattan’s “Symphony Space” theatre, under the auspices of the US East Coast American Genocide Central Commemoration Committee.

On this occasion, it is envisaged to invite playwright Berj Zeytountsian from Yerevan. Other interesting surprises are also in store related to this event.

In order to share this event with the American-Armenian new generation, as well as with non-Armenian audience members, a special English language translation will be prepared to be projected as surtitles on a screen during the show.

The theatre committee spares no pains and works wholeheartedly on this project. The Greater New York Tekeyan branch has committed itself to great fanatical efforts, believing that the company will offer a high quality production.

There is no doubt  that our theatre loving public will morally and financially support this venture to ensure the success of the company, who wishes to present a quality evening in par with the Association’s reputation and the high level expectations of the Big Apple.

Other write-ups will follow about this theatrical event in the months to come.

By Hagop Vartivarian