The French representative of the French-Armenian company Modd-Events, producer Vardan Gabrielyan, spoke to Aravot Daily in an interview about the peculiarity of world-famous French-Armenian playwright Raffy Shart’s comedy ‘Tie Me to Bed,’ which will be presented to an Armenian audience for the first time. He said that the author of this play is interesting himself. “He is a member of Georges Garvarentz’s and Charles Aznavour’s family. Raffy Shart’s grandfather is famous French songwriter Georges Garvarentz, and his grandmother is Aida Aznavourian, Charles Aznavour’s sister. He lived among that circle. His brother, Patrick, was Aznavour’s manager along with Nicolas Aznavour. So, he is a member of the Garvarentz-Aznavour family. Raffy Shart’s father, Serge Shart, was a famous artist born in Beirut but raised in France. Garvarentz was the author of Aznavour’s top 20 songs.”
According to Vardan Gabrielyan, Raffy Shart is a talented artist who wrote a book about the Armenian Genocide, as well as symphony music and films, which, according to Gabrielyan, should not be considered among the best works of cinematography, but they are successful works. “He is a playwright, and not only a categorical one. His works were presented in over 60 countries, which is how he is considered to be the most widespread French author in the 21st century,” the producer said.
Regarding the play, he said, “The most famous work of this author in Armenia is ‘My Wife’s Name is Moris.’ According to the author, ‘Tie Me to Bed’ is stronger than his ‘My Wife’s Name is Moris’ play.”
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We asked Gabrielyan when Raffy Shart will come to Armenia. Vardan Gabrielyan said that the visit he planned for last year was postponed due to the coronavirus. “It is possible to say that this play was prepared for March of 2020, but it was canceled for obvious reasons.”
Gabrielyan said that they dared to step on the stage of comedy after the war, pandemic, and other difficulties while also not forgetting about the seriousness and grief of the moment. “There is also a fight for culture. We miss culture. Light-hearted, funny plays are also a part of culture.”
Regarding surprises in Armenian performances, Vardan Gabrielyan said that Modd-Events is a French-Armenian organization that operated in France for many years, and is now in Armenia. According to him, as a leading company in event planning and producing, they also want to present French theater in Armenia. “We want to value Armenians at home first. We do not have any business expectations regarding the presentations. We simply want to have our say in culture and provide some quality. Of course, the author is the first to bring this quality, then the director, and then the actors, and finally the choice in the theater. As a result of all of this, we have brought about some nuances: signatures, stamps, finesse, style, and a French-Armenian cocktail.”
Gohar Hakobyan
Photos from Modd-Events Facebook page
