Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Hye Talk successfully completed taping its Fall 2001 season of nine shows, on Tuesday, November 20.
The television interview program, produced by the Armenian Studies Program and Department of Mass Communications and Journalism at Fresno State, had its premiere on Thursday, October 18, featuring an interview with Dr. Robert Hewsen, Kazan Visiting Professor of Armenian Studies at Fresno State.
Hye Talk host Barlow Der Mugrdechian, of the Armenian Studies Program, has interviewed a wide variety of people for the program.
The Arax Armenian Dancers of Fresno provided a cultural aspect for one show, by demonstrating some of the folk dances of historic Armenia. Dancers Zar Der Mugrdechian, Lena Abrahamian, and Mary Mirigian performed line and solo dances.
Musician Richard Hagopian discussed the history of the oud (similar to an unfretted guitar) and also gave a demonstration of the popular instrument on another show. The internationally recognized Hagopian has recorded many traditional songs and is a popular fixture at local Armenian picnics.
The Armenian Community School of Fresno was highlighted in show number four. Principal Seth Atamian was interviewed and recitations were given by the third grade-class of the school. A three-minute video segment featured the school’s new location in the Tower District of Fresno. Brothers Jim and Edward Karagozian each gave demonstrations on the kanun and dumbeg, respectively. The pieces highlighted the Armenian tradition in music.
Fresno State student Ara Mekhitarian provided a “News Update” section for Hye Talk in the second series of shows. The segment included news of general interest plus upcoming Armenian Studies events.
In June 2001, Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program had led a group of 18 students to Armenia. Arakel Arisian, former Associated Students President at Fresno State, and a trip participant, was interviewed about his experiences in show six. This show also featured a video segment showing some of the sites visited by the group. Another segment highlighted a special reunion of the group members, who spoke about their memories of the trip.
In the group of shows taped on November 20, Berge Bulbulian was interviewed about his book, The Fresno Armenians, which has just been reprinted. There is a great demand for the book, which outlines the history of the Fresno Armenians. A special segment on this show, took viewers on a tour of Fresno’s old “Armenian Town.” Janet Saghatelian of Valley Bakery was interviewed in the segment.
Ara Mekhitarian on the Hye Talk set.
Fresno State Classics Program Professor Victor Hanson spoke about his views on the relationship between farming and Greek culture. His comments on the university system proved to be very interesting. He spoke about the near demise of the family farm in America and the consequences that had had on American life.
The final show for the Fall season was a Holiday Cooking show featuring preparation of an Armenian menu. Many different Armenian foods, from appetizers to dessert were explained on the show. With help from Zar Der Mugrdechian, the viewing audience got a taste of Armenian cuisine. Don Priest is the instructor for the advanced course in television production and Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program is Executive Producer.
The show airs on ATT Broadband (Cable) Channel 14, in the San Joaquin Valley, on Thursday nights, from 10:00-10:30 PM.