Armenian playwright’s new work to go on stage in LA

Gyank (Life), a new performance by Los Angeles based Armenian playwright Vahe Berberyan, is going to be staged in the city's El Portal Theatre beginning March 16.

“I am really energized about Gyank, especially because this is our first production since Baron Garbis, which was almost four years ago. I missed the theater and the collective process,” Asbarez.com has quoted the author as saying.

According to the publication, the company has been rehearsing for weeks now and Berberian’s new play will premiere on March 16, at the historic El Portal Theatre, in North Hollywood for a brief three-week run.

When asked about the plot of the play Berberian responded, “I had been working on Gyank for a while. The structure was a challenge. Once it became clear in my mind, finishing it was relatively easy.” Then he smiles, and after a moment of silence, adds that he would rather not give out any details about the plot. “All I can tell you, is that the play is about a family that lives in Los Angeles and is going through a serious trauma. The main characters are a married couple with two daughters, who are desperately trying to make their marriage work. I don’t think I should explain more, since, as I said, the structure is complicated and has a few interesting twists.”

The producers Betty and Christina are said to be excited about the project and have explained that Gyank has been a change for Vahe, not only because four out of the six characters are females, almost the entire crew is comprised of females.

“I always knew that Vahe would write a piece with female characters, and I am glad that he finally created a story with intelligent, independent Armenian female characters.” Betty said, adding that even though the play might ruffle some feathers, its purpose is to entertain and engage both the mind and the spirit.

Some of the cast members have worked together previously on plays and in workshops, others are new to the group. The cast and the crew are said to be a tight knit family that thrives on collaboration. The six characters in the play are performed by Anne Bedian, Sako Berberian, Maro Ajemian, Houri Mahserejian, Paleni Topdjian and Roupen Karakouzian.

Because El Portal Theatre seats 360 people, Gyank will be performed only 11 times within three consecutive weeks. Unlike Baron Garbis, which had a four and a half month run, this will be quick and short. Therefore it is important that people reserve their tickets as soon as possible.