Plot that avenged Armenian Genocide: Eric Bogosian to discuss ‘Operation Nemesis’ in Lexington

On Wedenesday, May 27, acclaimed author Eric Bogosian will speak in connection with his recently published book, Operation Nemesis: The Assassination Plot That Avenged the Armenian Genocide, at the National Heritage Museum (Scottish Rite Masonic Museum), 33 Marrett Rd., in Lexington (at the intersection of Route 2A and Massachusetts Avenue).

The program is free and open to the public, and will be followed by a reception and book signing,. It is presented by the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) with the cooperation and co-sponsorship of the AGBU New England District, AGBU-YP Boston, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Museum of America, Armenian Women’s Welfare Association, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, and Tekeyan Cultural Association, the Armenian Weekly reports.

In 1921, a tightly knit band of members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation set out to execute a measure of justice for the more than 1 million victims of the Armenian Genocide. They named their operation “Nemesis” after the Greek goddess of retribution. Over several years, the men tracked down and assassinated former Turkish leaders. With operatives on three continents, the Nemesis team killed six of the architects of the Armenian Genocide who had escaped prosecution.

Eric Bogosian goes beyond simply telling the story of this cadre of Armenian assassins to set the killings in context by providing a summation of Ottoman and Armenian history as well as the history of the genocide itself. Casting fresh light on one of the great crimes of the 20th century and one of history’s most remarkable acts of political retribution, and drawing upon years of new research across multiple continents, Operation Nemesisis both a riveting read and a profound examination of evil, revenge, and the costs of violence.

Bogosian is an actor, playwright, and novelist. He was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his play “Talk Radio,” and is the recipient of the Berlin Film Festival’s Silver Bear Award, as well as three Obie Awards and the Drama Desk. In addition to his celebrated work in the theater and on screen, he has authored three novels. He lives in New York City with the director Jo Bonney.