Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Thirty-four scholars and writers from throughout the world participated in the Third Annual Conference on Armenian Writers, held November 6-8, at the University of California, Los Angeles. The conference was organized by Dr. Peter Cowe, Naregatsi Chair of Armenian Studies at UCLA and by the Writers Union of Armenia, whose President Levon Ananyan, presented opening remarks. The previous two conferences were held in Yerevan, Armenia.
The main theme of the conference was Armenian literature written in languages other than Armenian [otaragir hay grakanutiwn], providing an opportunity to discuss literary developments in Diaspora centers throughout the world, in languages such as French, English, and Arabic.
The conference featured panels with topics such as “Recent Developments in Armenian Literature and Other Medias,” “Diverse Reflections of Homeland in Armenian Literature,” and “Future Trends and Expectations.”
Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State, presented a paper on “The Role of the Family in Armenian-American Literature,” as part of a panel on “The Role of the Family as the Locus of Roots and Source of Inspiration for Literary Creation.” His paper explored family as it is represented in modern Armenian-American literature. Author Nancy Agabian later read from her memoir Me as Her Again as she reflected upon her own family.
One of the highlights of the weekend was a performance of William Saroyan’s The Hungerers, a powerful one-act play reflecting on the hardships of the Depression and the invincibility of the human spirit. Dr. Anahid Aramouni Keshishian directed a five-person cast in front of a full house at the Jan Popper Theatre in Schoenberg Hall.
On Saturday night, a concert of Contemporary Armenian Music was held, with the participation of composers Tigran Mansourian (Armenia), Kevork Andonian (Canada), and Vache Sharafyan (Armenia). The artistic director was Movses Pogossian and the concert was co-sponsored by the UCLA Armenian Studies Program and Herb Alpert School of Music.
Authors Bogos Kupelian, Peter Sourian, Diana Der-Hovanessian, Lory Bedikian, Arpine Konyalian Grenier, and Alicia Ghiragossian were among those who read from their own works during the conference.
The “Zephyr Group” of poets, Tina Demirjian, Armine Iknadossian, Shahe Mankerian, and Alene Terzian read poetry inspired by their Armenian roots. Meeting once a week, they support each other and criticize each other, providing an opportunity to improve their works.
The conference was an excellent forum to discuss important issues in contemporary Armenia literature. Plans are underway for a fourth Conference to be held in Yerevan, Armenia