Armenian producer and his 'Beast of the Moon' in Chita

The renowned producer, People's Artist of Armenia and Artistic Director of the Yerevan Russian Drama Alexander Grigoryan arrived in Chita, Russia, almost a month ago. He plans to stage the play "Beast of the Moon" at the local drama.

The play has for years been a success both in Yerevan and at the Moscow Academic Art Theatre after Anton Chekhov.
Yuliya Zolotuyeva had an interview with Alexander Grigoryan. The interview is posted on chita.ru.

Below are excerpts from the article:

"Alexander Grigoryan always says he represents Russia in Armenia and Armenia in Russia. Love for theater, literature, music, and, which is most important, for people.

"On August 20 the renowned producer celebrated his 75th birthday anniversary. In an empty hall, Alexander Grigoryan told me why he liked Chita - about the spirit of the Chita Drama," the author writes.

"I like Chita. This city hosted my compatriots. When I got off the plane, I was surprised. A company was welcoming me at the airport. But I was surprised at the number of Armenians – there were about 30 of them," says Grigoryan.

"I am happy that my compatriots feel comfortable here… A lot of positive emotions!"

"Nikolay Berezin, a well-known Russian producer, gave me information on the actors. I am so happy that the actors feel such an emotional play - I would call it a tragedy – so well.

"This play has been on at the Moscow Academic Art Theatre for the seventh year. Wonderful actors are playing. They got a 'Chaika', the highest theater award. The play is also on at our Russian Drama. We have got several Grands Prix – in Belarus, Russia and Armenia.

"The play is about mercy… An Armenian family cannot have a child, and adopts one. Such a step, which may not be so popular in Russia and Armenia now, must be held in high esteem and deserves great human love.

"I Yerevan I am going to prepare a program in cooperation with our partners from Chita. Its name is Beast of the Moon in Chita."

"We are proud of being sown such a favorable attitude. We are working for both Armenia and Russia. We participate in festivals. Berezin saw us at the festival in Odessa. He saw 'Beast of the Moon' and said: 'You must come!'… I came to realize that I would do good not only for our theater, but also for Russia and Armenia, my native country…"