ANNEX DIRECTOR STEPS INTO LEAD ROLE: A CROOKED MAN TACKLES ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
By Carrie Brunet

insideTORONTO.com
http://www.insidetoronto .com/lifestyle/Lifestyle/Arts/article/40271
Jan 31 2008
Canada

With success on television and the silver screen, Hrant Alianak rarely
gets the chance to do the thing he truly loves – theatre acting.

"I have produced so many times," he said. "But it’s so much
administrative stuff. It’s the least enjoyable part of it."

This month, the Annex actor/director is premiering A Crooked Man,
a play by Richard Kalinoski who also wrote the acclaimed Beast on
the Moon, which Alianak produced in 1997.

Both plays discuss the Armenian genocide, and although Alianak knows
that he will have a built-in audience in Armenian-Canadians, he hopes
that the play will resonate with the broader general public.

"What’s important is that the central theme comes across to
non-Armenians," he said. "There was a genocide, and it hasn’t been
acknowledged."

It’s heavy material for the man who has had recurring roles on Canadian
comedies like Jeff Ltd. and Little Mosque on the Prairie.

But Alianak promises there are some laughs to be had in the play
where he stars as the 88-year-old Hagop, an Armenian who witnessed
his own mother’s murder during the genocide.

The old man is tormented by his own demons, as his hands are not clean;
he assassinated the Turkish governor responsible for the massacres
perpetrated in his village. It’s his reporter grandson who uncovers
his past during an interview for a magazine article.

"There are themes in the play that are of interest to all humanity,"
said Alianak.

Based on a true story, the play is rooted in the relationship of the
grandson and grandfather, he explained.

Alianak never lived in Armenia, since his family fled to Sudan before
he was born. However, he still feels a strong tie to his homeland.

"I’ve been here two thirds of my life," he said of Canada, explaining
that he has never even visited the home his parents fled. "But I’ve
directed five shows about Armenian issues."

Opting to do a more "abstract" production, Alianak is pleased with
how the play is coming together. He opted to play the lead character
himself when he found that older actors were intimidated by the number
of lines in the role.

"I decided to slap on some makeup and do it myself," he said, admitting
he had overlooked the obvious choice. "I need to keep myself honest
and do some stage work."

Previews takes place Feb. 20 and the show opens Feb. 22 a the Theatre
Centre, 1087 Queen St. W. (entrance on Dovercourt), Tuesdays to
Saturdays at 8 p.m. and, Sundays at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, visit
online at or call the box office at 416-504-7529.