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ARMENIAN WOMEN WRITERS READ THEIR WORKS IN NY
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/08/30/contemporary-armenian-women-writers-read-their-works-in-new-york/
Posted by Weekly Staff on August 30, 2012
WOODSIDE, N.Y.-On Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the Armenian Center in
Woodside, Queens, four women writers of the Diaspora presented their
works at Literary Gems and Wine-a program sponsored by the New York
Chapter of the Hamazkayin Cultural Association.
ImageProxy 300x225 Contemporary Armenian Women Writers Read Their
Works in NY
(L-R) Lola Koundakjian, Nora Armani, Lucine Kasbarian, and Aida
Zilelian-Silak
Nora Armani, Lucine Kasbarian, Lola Koundakjian and Aida Zilelian-Silak
shared writings that explored the rich complexities of the human
condition. The collective result was an eclectic compilation of vocal
pieces that reflected a poignant and contemplative look at life in
the Diaspora.
In her introduction, program organizer, rare book librarian and
literary devotee Arevik Caprielian expressed her satisfaction in
showcasing accomplished Armenian "creatives." "These writers need not
be heralded beyond the Armenian milieu in order to be recognized as
credits to the global Armenian nation," she said. "While Hamazkayin
remains true to its mission of preserving and disseminating Armenian
traditional literature and arts, it also moves forward with the times
and inevitable changes in Diaspora," she continued. "Therefore, it
embraces contemporary authors writing in various languages, considering
them contributors to the body of Armenian literature." Caprielian
concluded by affirming, "A nation maintains its distinction through
arts and literature."
Actress and storyteller Armani read, in English, the opening chapter
from an untitled novel-in- progress. She also read an excerpt from her
unpublished novel, "The Armoire," about four Armenian sisters flung to
the four corners of the earth, and a short story, "Waiting to Arrive,"
about journeys, memories and being, published in an anthology called
"In Our Own Words: A Generation Defining Itself." To close, she
played a musical recording whose lyrics contained her poem about
exile. Armani acted in, directed and co-produced the award-winning
play, Sojourn at Ararat. This year, Armani co-stars in the CBS
television pilot program, Golden Boy, and her film, Moving Stories,
was screened in the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival.
Writer and political cartoonist Kasbarian read, in English, two short
stories. The first, "A Subway Tautology," explored the social and
philosophical underpinnings of an absurd train travel incident. The
second, "Elixir in Exile," chronicled her suspenseful quest to locate
an ancestral family recipe, and will be published in r.kv.ry Literary
Journal. Her latest published work is an illustrated children's book,
The Greedy Sparrow, an Armenian folktale retold which will be performed
at children's literature workshops and a children's book festival.
Poet and artist Koundakjian read several works in Armenian and English,
including "Kalov Antsyalin" and "Mazerut," describing times spent
with loved ones. She then read a thought piece called "In search
of Rilke - at the Metropolitan Museum of Art," and "Anonk Meran,"
memorializing those lost to mass murder. Her tribute, "Three Armenian
Artists in New York City"-recalled Arshile Gorky, Reuben Nakian and
Marcos Gregorian. And her inspiring, lyrical prose poem,"Khurad Hay
Panasdeghdzin," counseled writers struggling to find their muse. Lola's
latest published work is a collection of poems called The Accidental
Observer. Founder of the Dead Armenian Poets Society, Lola is also
the Curator of the Armenian Poetry Project, which presents classic
and contemporary Armenian poetry and other writings on Armenian topics.
New York writer and editor Zilelian-Silak read, in English, her short
story, "He's the One For Her." This narrative piece deconstructed
the ambitions of a young Armenian woman searching for an elusive,
Armenian-speaking mate, and first appeared in Ararat. Her stories
have been featured in journals such as Pen Pusher, Slushpile and
Wilderness House Literary Review. Her novel, The Hollowing Moon, was
one of five finalists for the 2011 Mercer Street Books Fiction Prize.
Aida organizes an ongoing reading series she established in Queens,
N.Y. called Boundless Tales.
In the future, the N.Y. Chapter of Hamazkayin hopes to launch an
ongoing reading series spotlighting contemporary Armenian writers.
The Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society is a
major organization of the Armenian Diaspora, with a presence in
every significant Armenian community worldwide. In addition to
organizing cultural events, the Hamazkayin runs schools, publishes
books through its printing press, maintains bookstores, publishes
a monthly literary magazine, Pakin, and organizes the Hamazkayin
Forum. It was founded on May 28, 1928, in Cairo, Egypt by a group of
nine Armenian intellectuals, including the writer and educator Levon
Shant; historian, critic, and first Education Minister of Armenia,
Nigol Aghbalian; former foreign minister of the Republic of Armenia Dr.
Hamo Ohanjanian; and stage director and art critic Kaspar Ipekian.
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/08/30/contemporary-armenian-women-writers-read-their-works-in-new-york/
Posted by Weekly Staff on August 30, 2012
WOODSIDE, N.Y.-On Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the Armenian Center in
Woodside, Queens, four women writers of the Diaspora presented their
works at Literary Gems and Wine-a program sponsored by the New York
Chapter of the Hamazkayin Cultural Association.
ImageProxy 300x225 Contemporary Armenian Women Writers Read Their
Works in NY
(L-R) Lola Koundakjian, Nora Armani, Lucine Kasbarian, and Aida
Zilelian-Silak
Nora Armani, Lucine Kasbarian, Lola Koundakjian and Aida Zilelian-Silak
shared writings that explored the rich complexities of the human
condition. The collective result was an eclectic compilation of vocal
pieces that reflected a poignant and contemplative look at life in
the Diaspora.
In her introduction, program organizer, rare book librarian and
literary devotee Arevik Caprielian expressed her satisfaction in
showcasing accomplished Armenian "creatives." "These writers need not
be heralded beyond the Armenian milieu in order to be recognized as
credits to the global Armenian nation," she said. "While Hamazkayin
remains true to its mission of preserving and disseminating Armenian
traditional literature and arts, it also moves forward with the times
and inevitable changes in Diaspora," she continued. "Therefore, it
embraces contemporary authors writing in various languages, considering
them contributors to the body of Armenian literature." Caprielian
concluded by affirming, "A nation maintains its distinction through
arts and literature."
Actress and storyteller Armani read, in English, the opening chapter
from an untitled novel-in- progress. She also read an excerpt from her
unpublished novel, "The Armoire," about four Armenian sisters flung to
the four corners of the earth, and a short story, "Waiting to Arrive,"
about journeys, memories and being, published in an anthology called
"In Our Own Words: A Generation Defining Itself." To close, she
played a musical recording whose lyrics contained her poem about
exile. Armani acted in, directed and co-produced the award-winning
play, Sojourn at Ararat. This year, Armani co-stars in the CBS
television pilot program, Golden Boy, and her film, Moving Stories,
was screened in the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival.
Writer and political cartoonist Kasbarian read, in English, two short
stories. The first, "A Subway Tautology," explored the social and
philosophical underpinnings of an absurd train travel incident. The
second, "Elixir in Exile," chronicled her suspenseful quest to locate
an ancestral family recipe, and will be published in r.kv.ry Literary
Journal. Her latest published work is an illustrated children's book,
The Greedy Sparrow, an Armenian folktale retold which will be performed
at children's literature workshops and a children's book festival.
Poet and artist Koundakjian read several works in Armenian and English,
including "Kalov Antsyalin" and "Mazerut," describing times spent
with loved ones. She then read a thought piece called "In search
of Rilke - at the Metropolitan Museum of Art," and "Anonk Meran,"
memorializing those lost to mass murder. Her tribute, "Three Armenian
Artists in New York City"-recalled Arshile Gorky, Reuben Nakian and
Marcos Gregorian. And her inspiring, lyrical prose poem,"Khurad Hay
Panasdeghdzin," counseled writers struggling to find their muse. Lola's
latest published work is a collection of poems called The Accidental
Observer. Founder of the Dead Armenian Poets Society, Lola is also
the Curator of the Armenian Poetry Project, which presents classic
and contemporary Armenian poetry and other writings on Armenian topics.
New York writer and editor Zilelian-Silak read, in English, her short
story, "He's the One For Her." This narrative piece deconstructed
the ambitions of a young Armenian woman searching for an elusive,
Armenian-speaking mate, and first appeared in Ararat. Her stories
have been featured in journals such as Pen Pusher, Slushpile and
Wilderness House Literary Review. Her novel, The Hollowing Moon, was
one of five finalists for the 2011 Mercer Street Books Fiction Prize.
Aida organizes an ongoing reading series she established in Queens,
N.Y. called Boundless Tales.
In the future, the N.Y. Chapter of Hamazkayin hopes to launch an
ongoing reading series spotlighting contemporary Armenian writers.
The Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society is a
major organization of the Armenian Diaspora, with a presence in
every significant Armenian community worldwide. In addition to
organizing cultural events, the Hamazkayin runs schools, publishes
books through its printing press, maintains bookstores, publishes
a monthly literary magazine, Pakin, and organizes the Hamazkayin
Forum. It was founded on May 28, 1928, in Cairo, Egypt by a group of
nine Armenian intellectuals, including the writer and educator Levon
Shant; historian, critic, and first Education Minister of Armenia,
Nigol Aghbalian; former foreign minister of the Republic of Armenia Dr.
Hamo Ohanjanian; and stage director and art critic Kaspar Ipekian.