YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–An exhibition dedicated to the 175th birthday anniversary of the great Armenian playwright Gabriel Sundukian opened at the National Library of Armenia on August 10. The exhibition presented Sundukian’s personal belongings–the first editions of his plays–letters–photographs–as well as various documen’s. The exhibition was the second event dedicated to Sundukian to be marked this year.
Henrik Hovhannissian–a well-known art critic–said that before writing a play Sundukian used to think out every detail of the future staging–such as the possible theater environment–type of theater–personal characters of actors–etc. According to Hovhannissian–the oriental theater of the 60s-70s of the 19th century is associated with the names of Gabriel Sundukian and Gevorg Chmshkian.
Cinema critic David Mouradian mentioned the growing topicality of Sundukian’s plays and characters. People like Zimzimov and Zambakhov from "Pepo" are also the characters of today.
The schedule of events marking Sundukian’s 175th birthday anniversary were drawn up by a special government commission that provides for the publication of the selected collection of the dramatist’s works–including the stage production of "Ara the Beautiful" and "Pepo"–repairs of the theater building–and a series of events dedicated to the distinguished playwright in provinces.
In a Noyan Tapan interview–Artistic Director of the Gabriel Sundukian Academic Theater Vahe Shahverdian said that unfortunately–most of the scheduled events were likely to fall through due to lack of funding.