‘Journey Through Time’ Premieres to Sold-Out Audience in Boston

SNDC’s Next Stop? Glendale on Jan. 15

By David Alexander

WALTHAM, Mass.—The Sayat Nova Dance Company (SNDC) of Boston’s 25^thanniversary production, “Journey Through Time,” premiered on Nov. 19, 2011 at Waltham High School to a sold-out audience of over 1,100.

SNDC in Boston (Photo by Viken Karaguesian)

The show burst into life with fire and drama portraying the pagan days of the Armenian people, and was followed by an homage to St. Krikor Lousavorich in “Khor Virab,” which depicted Armenia’s conversion to Christianity. Vartanantz and the Battle of Avarayr were remembered with deep, heart-pounding drums vibrating through the auditorium. The “journey through time” continued with the powerful recitation of Siamanto’s “The Dance” resonating from the dark stage, and was followed by the “Dance of the 20 Brides,” which portrayed the brutalities of the Armenian Genocide and the impact it had on the beloved Armenian composer Gomidas Vartabed, who went insane after witnessing the massacres.

The audience was in awe by the powerful portrayal of this dance—the acting, dancing, stage props, recitation, music, and slides that told of the unspeakable tragedy. Then, suddenly, the sounds of traditional Armenian instruments filled the auditorium, wrapping up the first half with a folkloric number celebrating the life and survival of the Armenian people. Spectators roared with excitement in their seats, experiencing conflicting emotions of deep sorrow, triumphant joy, and overwhelming pride as they lived through a culture’s journey through time.

The second half of the program began with three generations of dancers taking over the stage: More than 50 alumni dancers joined hands to perform with current SNDC members, as well as with future dancers from the Abaka Armenian School for the Performing Arts. The audience clapped loudly at the inspiring performance by the past, present, and future of SNDC. The night was indeed a glorious celebration of 25 years of performances. The future certainly looks bright for SNDC.

The curtains then opened to a breathtaking scene in the dance of “Jahel Chenk Mnar” (“We will not stay young forever”), which tells the story of an aging couple who fondly reminisce about their days of youth, as young couples dance around them in a park. “Being a dancer myself in my younger days, I found myself in the shoes of the old couple who remembered their younger days,” said one audience member after the show. “I wish I would dance again, but at the age of 79, I will settle with tapping my feet in my seat.”

“Journey Through Time” is now touring the country and is headed to the West Coast for its first stop in Glendale, Calif., on Sun., Jan. 15. The performance will give audiences around the country a unique glimpse into Armenian history. To purchase tickets, visit www.itsmyseat.com/sayatnova. For more information, visit www.sayatnova.com or find Sayat Nova Dance Company on Facebook.