`ARTAVAZD’ THEATRE AWARDS

Azg/arm
30 March 05

The cultural and theatre elite of Armenia gathered in “Ararat”
factory, where “Artavazd” Theatre Annual Awards 2005 was held.

The ceremony began in the welcoming speech of RA President Robert
Kocharian that was read by Yervand Ghazanchian, Chairman of RA
Theatrical Union. Afterwards, he represented the jury members. He
said that this year there were many young artists among the
nominees. 11 awards were given during the ceremony, including three
“Artavazd” statues and 8 medals.

The first prize went to Varsik Grigorian for her devoted work at the
theatre. “Makbeth” staged at Hrachia Ghaplanian Drama Theatre won the
prize for the best performance of 2004-2005 theatrical
season. “Artavazd” was handed to Armen Khandikian, head of the
theatre.

The prize for “The Best Actor” went to Vladimir Msrian, while Anna
Elbakian received “Artavazd” for “The Best Actress.” Beate Ehlers, a
German actress,was given the same prize within the framework of the
international project organized by Hakob Ghazanchian.

Robert Elibekian was recognized the best art director for his work in
“Charents’ Reformatory” performance.

Ara Manucharian, a young director at “Goy” experimental theatre, won
the prize for the best debut for his performance entitled “My Death.”
While “Psychosis 4.48” performance staged at Sundukian Theatre was
recognized the best youth’s performance of the year.

Narine Malian, director at Malian theatre, was awarded a prize for
staging the play by Aghasi Ayvazyan. Ara Yernjakian received
“Artavazd” medal for establishing and preserving the Yerevan Chamber
Theatre.

Alexander Grigorian, head of the Yerevan Russian Theatre after
Stanislavsky, was also awarded a prize for “The Moon Beast”
performance dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. The prize will be given to him in during the Yerevan
premiere of the performance on April 7.

By Gohar Gevorgian