Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Ingibjörg Thorisdottir
Special to Hye Sharzhoom
In December of 2002 Ingibjörg Thorisdottir was trying to put something about William Saroyan and the Armenians on public radio in Iceland and so contacted Dr. Dickran Kouymjian for suggestions. He sent them. She then asked if the radio station could interview him, and after agreeing, Professor Kouymjian was interviewed for about an hour. A part of that narrative, was part of the eventual show. Ed.
From 1991 to 1994 I was a drama student at Fresno State. During that time I came to know the Armenian writer William Saroyan through taking a course in Armenian studies with Dr. Dickran Kouymjian. I thought Saroyan’s work was beautiful. His thoughts simple, yet so deep. His complex, but yet simple, characters were just fascinating. His background as an Armenian was as dramatic as was his life.
When I came back home to Iceland I really wanted to translate some of his work. I found out that some of his work had already been translated by great Icelandic writers such as Nobel-prize winning author Halldór Kiljan Laxness and one of Iceland’s best poets, Gyrdir Eliasson. It wasn’t until this year, almost ten years later, that I finally decided to make a radio program about Saroyan’s life and work.
Needless to say I contacted Dr. Dickran Kouymjian to get his opinion and of course he was very pleased to assist. I got many books about Saroyan from the Icelandic National Library and interviewed many Icelanders who knew his work. I called Dr. Kouymjian in Paris and when I had enough material I made a radio program filled with Armenian music and readings from Saroyan’s short stories.
The Icelandic National radio station is widely listened to all over the country. I got prime-time spots on two Sunday mornings, the best time for airing a program such as this one.
Many people who listened to the program contacted me. Actors, people at the University, and friends thought that the program was very interesting. People asked me which of his works had been translated and where his books were sold. Some are encouraging me to write some more about Saroyan and how I came to know his work. One day maybe I will.
Saroyan has therefore gained more readers and fans outside the U.S. in a far away island in the north.
Peace be with you all.