Gyumri, 21 May, 2017– On the 21st of May, 2017 , “Hokis” multi-media musical performance was staged at Gyumri State Drama Theatre after Vardan Achemyan. The Gyumri premiere of “Hokis” devoted to the second anniversary of TUMOxAGBU center in Gyumri became possible due to cooperation between Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU’s Nork Children’s Center, TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, and “Pyunik” Human Resources Development Foundation.
The performance was a real collective endeavor to present the concept of One Culture and One Nation. This exceptional dance and music performance blending traditional Armenian arts, modern acrobatics and technology featured young performers from of Nork Children’s Center and TUMO’s “Tmbata” and “Pyramidz” music bands.
On the occasion of AGBU’s 110th anniversary, “Hokis” premiered in 2016 in New York at the Broadway City Center Theatre and then in Yerevan at the Opera and Ballet National Academic Theatre after Al. Spendiaryan. AGBU Armenia is undertaking the presentation of “Hokis” also in Stepanakert.
“Many people were excited with the performances in New York and in Yerevan, while “Pyunik” charitable foundation on behalf of its Honorary President Gabriel Djambardjian, supported the presentation of “Hokis” in Gyumri and soon in Stepanakert,”- noted AGBU Armenia President and AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian. “It is true that the goal of AGBU is to uphold Armenian culture and arts, but we also believe that it is not enough to retain and to reproduce the old and the traditional, it is equally important to continue to integrate, create and bring the Armenian culture to the 21st century. “Hokis” was created bearing in mind this vision: to transfer the Armenian spirit and Armenian values to the international audience.”
“I welcome AGBU’s initiative to bring “Hokis” performance to wider circles. The extremely warm attitude of Gyumri’s theatre-loving community is the real appreciation that encourages new creations,”- said “Hokis” performance director Grigor Khachatryan.
“The new say and the form of expression created by us was well received in Gyumri. I think that succeding in the cultural capital, from where world famous artists from different fields of art have originated, is a major accomplishment for an Armenian artist,”- Arman Julhakyan, the choreographer of “Hokis”, shared his excitement after the performance.
AGBU’s motivation for staging “Hokis” in Gyumri was to enrich its citizens’ cultural life and to integrate them into the celebration of the second anniversary of TUMOxAGBU Center. The third TUMO Center for Creative Technologies established in Gyumri in May, 2015, in cooperation of TUMO and AGBU and by “Shant” TV Company’s initiative, has had a number of achievements during its two-year lifetime. 1000 students out of a total number of 2000 of the Center, have joined TUMO during the recent year, due to the facilities expansion and replenishment of equipment. Throughout the year the students have participated in more than 500 permanent courses and special workshops. Soon the renovation of a new TUMO building in Gyumri – the city’s first theatre – will allow to involve more students from Gyumri into the TUMO program and to enrich their daily routine with new opportunities.
For many years, AGBU has directed its humanitarian and development projects to the rehabilitation and development of Gyumri and its population. The Union is now actively engaged in the project planning activities aimed at the preservation of the cultural and urban development environment in Gyumri, as well as in projects aimed at tourism development.