NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.—Hourig Papazian-Sahagian has the perfect formula for success.
As the linchpin for a musical ensemble called, “The Way We Were,” she feels enamored by nostalgia, especially if the storyline is meant to enhance the Armenian heritage.
She’ll be the first to tell you that what we need as Armenians are better and more provocative ways of reliving the past.
History was retold in a most unique way during a recent product of “The Hye Legion: The Gamavor Story,” staged at St. Gregory Church before 100 guests representing three generations.
The event was sponsored by the Ladies’ Guild and took place inside Jaffarian Hall with an elaborate setting and authentic period costumes. Had this been an Off-Broadway production, it would have fit the mood perfectly.
In essence, we had a history lesson adapted to music and script, conceived by an 80-something cultural guru who keeps defying the ravages of time with her timeless productions.
“You can take the teacher out of the classroom but not the classroom out of the teacher,” said the former executive director of the Prelacy’s Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC). “My troupe loved learning about the gamavor history as I loved teaching it along with the songs.”
The story is based on the concept Papazian-Sahagian adapted as director/playwright. It recounts true-to-life stories of daring search-and-rescue missions by Armenian-American volunteers (gamavors, in Armenian) during the genocide years of 1915-23.
At that time, an alarm sounded throughout the United States, calling for selfless volunteers to answer a call for help in their ravaged land. Many returned to the Turkish killing fields, only to suffer the ultimate sacrifice.
While the play is filled with intrigue, adventure, and romance, it also features a dozen songs, many of which were familiar to viewers.
“The Merrimack Valley is replete with gamavors who left the comfort and security of their homes to serve in battle,” said Sossy Jeknavorian, chairwoman of the Ladies’ Guild. “Several people in the audience could relate to that era. Although the production carried a strong message about hope and survival, it was also meant to entertain and inspire. People were singing along with the songs and applauding loudly.”
Papazian-Sahagian was presented with a bouquet of flowers after taking a bow as a cast of 35 reached out. The ensemble made its way from the Mid-Atlantic region, where it is based, returning the same day in what made for a long day.
Members represent a cross-section of over three generations, born and raised in the United States. “They derive their inspiration from the enduring soul of the survivors, who are their cultural and spiritual mentors,” added Papazian-Sahagian. “The story must take its place in the pages of human history as a brilliant display of extraordinary courage.”
Among those who were impressed was Steven Mahlebjian, whose sister Lynn portrayed Soseh, the fedayee (freedom-fighter) girl.
“I never knew about the gamavor history,” he said. “It just continues to underscore the passion and dedication of our people. The patriotic songs bring back memories of those I used to sing during my AYF days, and really brought tears to my eyes. It’s so nice to see a cultural event that is both educational and entertaining.”
One lyrical nutmeg happened to be an arrangement of “Haratch Nahadag” composed by Maestro Parsegh Ganachian solely for the Gamavor Movement. Other songs like “Dalvorig” and “Giligia” captured their own spotlights.
This marked the second appearance by the troupe to Merrimack Valley, having staged “Hello Ellis Island” two years ago at this same church.
Tom Vartabedian
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