Sayat Nova Brings Armenian History and Culture to Life in South Florida

By Mercedes Gechidjian

BOCA RATON, Fla.—What does it mean to be an Armenian? What have the Armenian people been through over the past 3,000 years? How have we flourished as a people and as a nation? These are some of the questions that the Sayat Nova Dance Company (SNDC) of Boston’s powerful production, “A Journey Through Time,” answered on Sat., Jan. 24, at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Sayat Nova Dance Company dancers backstage at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton

The event was held in commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, when 1.5 million Armenians were brutally tortured and killed by Turkish nationalists. The show took the audience on a magical and heartfelt journey through Armenian history, in which the adoption of Christianity, the genocide, and the creation of a free and independent Armenia were portrayed.

The program was organized into two parts. In part one, the audience met Armenian heros Saint Gregory the Illuminator in Khor Virab and Vartan Mamigonian in the Battle of Avarayr, among many others. Yet, the most agonizing encounter was with the 20 brides of Adana in 1909, when the audience saw the gruesome execution of 20 innocent, young women. Part two, on the other hand, celebrated the many cultural and melodic dances of the Armenian culture, including crowd favorites, “Kochari” and “Nare Nare.” (According to the definition by SNDC, “Kochari” “…is an ancient, national ritual dance symbolizing movements that express the sense of fighting the battle of life.” And “Nare Nare” is a “…festive dance celebrating the spirit, love, and allegiance of Armenians to their homeland.”) This part of the production showed that even amid tragedy, Armenians have managed to stay connected to their roots and to the essence of being Armenian, in addition to finding both peace and courage through the art of music and dancing.

This wonderful event would not have been possible without the Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Inc. (AGC) and its efforts to raise awareness of the genocide in Florida. AGC’s mission is to educate Armenians and non-Armenians in the local community on a very dark time in world history. “I felt proud, relieved, wired,” said Arsine Kaloustian, the public affairs director of Florida Armenians (FLArmenians) and chairman of AGC. “A lot of people and a lot of work went into bringing Sayat Nova to Florida. There were a lot of moving parts to this and to watch it come together so seamlessly was energizing. To know that it was the first official event in the U.S. commemorating the Centennial was very emotional for me,” Kaloustian added.

With more than 700 tickets sold, Sayat Nova’s “A Journey Through Time” was a great success for the Armenian community of Florida, and encouraged all guests to help raise awareness and seek justice for the atrocities of 1915. As the Armenian proverb states, “If the village stands, it can break a trunk,” meaning unity increases strength.”

Mercedes Gechidjian is a contributor for FLArmenians Miami.