Mom’s Death Inspires Playwright Boyajian

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Judith Boyajian Strang-Waldau’s mother was her inspiration. She was the quintessential Armenian mom, wrote poetry, raised two children to become conscious of their heritage and culture, and was always there for support like any dutiful parent.

Now, it’s being reciprocated in a big way.

With her mom’s passing on Jan. 18, Judith has decided to dedicate her play “Women of Ararat” to the woman who made it all possible four and a half years ago.

A staged reading of ‘Women of Ararat’ enjoyed considerable success in Yerevan last October, sponsored by the Armenian International Women’s Association. Taking past were (L-R) Talin Gregorian, Liliana Edilyan, and Melissa Brown.
A staged reading of ‘Women of Ararat’ enjoyed considerable success in Yerevan last October, sponsored by the Armenian International Women’s Association. Taking past were (L-R) Talin Gregorian, Liliana Edilyan, and Melissa Brown.

“My mother always encouraged me, stood behind me, and filled me with stories about our family history,” says Judith. “It is in the context of these stories that I was able to write and produce this production. It is only natural I would dedicate it to her in memory of all Armenian mothers who defined their role, for they are the true women of Ararat.”

Rose Mary (Manoogian) Boyajian watched her daughter navigate a career in music. She was 93 when she finally succumbed. Judith majored in piano at the Boston Conservatory of Music, secured degrees in vocal/opera performance from the University of Southern California and arts administration from New York University.

She currently gives private piano and voice lessons in Wellesley and Natick, in addition to her teaching position in Sherborn. Moreover, Judith runs an annual scholarship competition for advanced high school musicians through the Harvard Musical Association.

The elder Boyajian raised two children, doted over two grandchildren, and worked as a secretary and homemaker. She secured a diploma from Wellesley High School and attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School at a time when further education was at a premium. She and her husband Edward were married 63 years before his death.

‘Women of Ararat,’ a play by Judith Boyajian Strang-Waldau, will have a staged reading March 28 and 29 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, commemorating the Genocide Centennial with proceeds going toward the Women’s Support Center in Armenia.
‘Women of Ararat,’ a play by Judith Boyajian Strang-Waldau, will have a staged reading March 28 and 29 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, commemorating the Genocide Centennial with proceeds going toward the Women’s Support Center in Armenia.

The poetry Rose Mary wrote was ultimately passed down to the daughter and serves as a basis for this play. It actually deals with four generations of women that are connected to the Boyajian family, which immigrated to the United States from Mersin, Turkey.

“It wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I found out these stories,” Judith points out. “They didn’t want to talk about it. When the grandmothers came here, they didn’t want to be known as victims. They were bent on creating a new life. It was because of them—four generations in my family—that they remained strong, loving, funny. Yes, Armenians suffered, but they were able to survive and prosper.”

Although Judith’s mom was too frail to attend a staged reading at Wellesley College, her imprint is all over the work. It’s this gratitude that Judith has woven together for future showings throughout the Centennial year.

“She was the original story-teller,” Judith adds. “She didn’t know why I should write such a sad play but it does have its light-hearted moments. My mother gave me confidence to become a musician and a playwright. My regret is that she’ll never get to see it or applaud its success. I owe her this debt of gratitude to forge ahead.”

This past October, the play enjoyed critical acclaim in Yerevan under the sponsorship of the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA), which has adopted this production for the Centennial. Proceeds have benefitted the Women’s Support Center of Armenia.

Another staged reading is planned March 28-29 at the Charles Mosesian Theater, Arsenal Center for the Arts, in Watertown. Saturday’s performance will be at 8 p.m., following a reception at 7 p.m. Sunday’s matinee showing will be at 3 p.m. Discussions will follow both presentations, involving both Turkish and Armenian MIT students.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/womenofararat or call AIWA at (617) 926-0171.

The play tells the poignant love story of two young musicians, Julie and William, who meet in London during the 1970’s, and their relationship with Julie’s family, four generations of Armenian women living in Watertown.

It explores the themes of family, memory, pain, love, and ultimately hope through the relationships of the characters.

“We thought it was important to present a play that centered on women’s experiences dealing with the Armenian Genocide,” says Suzanne Moranian, AIWA president. “It also speaks to the power of women to not only endure but to triumph as they choose hope over fear.”

With Women’s History Month being observed in March, the play’s a natural. Among those who became attached as an early sponsor is Carolyn Mugar, activist and founder of the Armenian Tree Project.

“Most survivors are now gone,” Judith notes. “A play about family, hope, and love is a way to honor their memories, to show that those who endured the aftermath of genocide can not only survive but thrive. Knowing that this Centennial event is a fundraiser to address the ongoing problem of violence in women’s lives makes it even more special.”

A director has come aboard. Her name is Judy Braha, and she’s joined by a cast of seven, fully costumed in 1970’s attire. After Watertown, it’s being staged Sept. 20 in North Andover in conjunction with the Merrimack Valley Commemorative Committee, then on to Providence and New Jersey.

“Recently, we’ve seen a number of Armenian women authors who have written dramas about various aspects of the genocide and its aftermath,” says Barbara Merguerian, director of AIWA’s Archives and Women’s Information Center.

“Drama provides unique perspectives for exploring the many facets of genocide,” she adds. “It has the potential to reach large audiences who might not otherwise be receptive.”

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian is a retired journalist with the Haverhill Gazette, where he spent 40 years as an award-winning writer and photographer. He has volunteered his services for the past 46 years as a columnist and correspondent with the Armenian Weekly, where his pet project was the publication of a special issue of the AYF Olympics each September.
Tom Vartabedian

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