WASHINGTON, DC — For many Armenian parents, it’s a dream come true when their child finds an Armenian spouse. But as soon as the wedding planning commences, that’s when the problems – and the comedy – begin.

The sequel to the original hit play, “Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)” Part II will perform for the Washington D.C. Armenian community on Saturday, March 10, 2018, in an event hosted by the Knights & Daughters of Vartan to benefit schoolteachers in Yerevan, Armenia.

The story picks up as the parents of newly engaged couple Lara and Ari come together to celebrate the anticipated union. But before the soorj is even served, the initial pleasantries quickly diminish as debates launch over what church the service will take place, who will be the best man and if Adiss or Manuel will sing at the reception. To make matters even more frustrating for Lara, her fiancé goes missing, past suitors show up and a matchmaker is hired to help her brother find a wife.

The Knights & Daughters of Vartan believe the modern, humorous story will resonate with audiences through laughter, while also giving them a chance to examine the more serious issues of cultural preservation in the Diaspora.

“I feel it’s important to organize events which enrich our cultural heritage,” said Araxie Vann, Matron of the Daughters of Vartan. “Bringing this theater group to the Washington D.C. Armenian community will help young Diasporans relate the subject matter to their own lives, while at the same time looking at the situation from the outside and finding humor in it,” said Vann.

The play has struck a chord not only with audiences during its run, most recently at New York City’s Miller Theatre and the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown, Massachusetts, but also for the 20 person cast and crew. Hailing from all backgrounds in the New York metro area, the young professionals in the production have also deeply connected with the play and its characters.

Playing the role of the family matriarch Siroun, Nairi Hartounian said she was reminded of the strong women she was surrounded by while growing up, who served as an inspiration when she assumed the character of the overbearing, yet compassionate mother and wife.

“We’ve had three, sometimes four generations in the audience and they’ve all been able to identify with what they see on stage,” said Hartounian, a graduate student at New York University studying public relations and corporate communications. “This is a universal story and we all find pieces within ourselves through all of the layered characters.”

The D.C. performance will serve as a fundraiser to provide assistance to the teachers and workers of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan School in Armenia’s capital city. A special committee has been formed under the
chairmanship of former Matron Doris George.

“Proceeds will be disbursed to the schoolteachers in order to encourage them to stay and teach in Armenia because these children are the future of the country and they are in need of education,” said Vann. “The purpose of this school is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to allow them to step into the real world and face the future challenges in Armenia.”

“Our group is committed to entertaining and stimulating dialogue within our Armenian community, but also to serve as a positive representative of our culture,” said writer and director Taleen Babayan. “We are proud to perform in the greater Washington D.C. area for the Knights & Daughters of Vartan and support the education of our youngsters in our homeland.”

“Where Is Your Groom (Pesad Oor Eh)?” Part II will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 6:30 pm at the Richard J. Ernst Cultural Center in Annandale, Virginia. For tickets by credit card, please visit paypal.me/DaughtersofVartanUS or call Takuhi at 301-219-4041.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Get notified of the latest updates from MassisPost.

You May Also Like

Czech Republic Parliament Recognizes the Armenian Genocide

PRAGUE (Armradio) — The Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic today…

Turkey’s Constitutional Court Rules in Favor of Armenian Foundations

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s Constitutional Court has ruled that the refusal of the…

Armenian Genocide Centenary Coin Named “Coin of the Year” at Moscow Contest

YEREVAN (Armradio) — The coin dedicated to the centenary of the Armenian…

Israel and Turkey – Natural Allies

Every time Israel-Turkey relations show signs of deterioration and create anxiety, Israeli…