by The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
NEW YORK — “Anahid,” a musical written by Gabriel Elizabeth Kadian (book, music, lyrics) and Stephanie Wu (music) based on the novel Anahid Played Soorp: The Finding of Aran Pirian, had a private industry presentation at Judson Memorial Church (55 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012) in September.
The evening’s performers included Kadian, Sam Seferian (“Wicked,” “Pretty Woman”), John El-Jor (“We Live in Cairo”), Shirleyann Kaladjian, Sofie Nesanelis (“Les Miserables”) Otto Alam Khan, and Julia Bedeian.
Now, Kadian and Wu want to turn the musical into an animated feature which can be used as an educational tool in schools.
“Anahid” is a story of an Armenian family’s escape from the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The Pirian family lives a life full of music in 1915 Constantinople. But, as World War I brews, peril is imminent.
Rehearsals for “Anahid”
It starts with murmurings passed feverishly in marketplaces, alleyways, and notes scribbled in fear. Aran’s father meets with other Armenians in a panic: the Turks have devised a scheme to remove the Armenian intellectuals, ministers, and politicians. Plans are drawn up for escape.
But, when Aran’s father is suddenly taken away by Turkish soldiers, his wife Marem and two children Aran and Anahid must begin a long journey toward what they hope will be safety.
After several escapes and a heart-wrenching goodbye, Aran makes his way alone toward the caravan of Armenians walking through the Syrian desert, bound for safety.
As Aran searches for family at the Armenian Relief Agency in Egypt, he finds a distant cousin who’s willing to house him in New York. Aran journeys across the sea only to meet a cold, detached woman and begins to spiral as he processes the enormity of his loss.
But, an uncomfortable encounter prompts Aran to recover an important piece of himself that he thought he’d lost along the way. And, in redeeming it, Aran reclaims himself.
Rehearsals for “Anahid”
Gabriel Elizabeth Kadian is a writer, AEA actor, singer, and graduate of NYU Tisch, where she earned her B.F.A. in Acting and English/American literature. As an actor, Kadian has appeared in “The Wolves” at Actors Theatre of Louisville and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (playing the role of #14, an Armenian-American) , “The Golem of Havana,” “Romance in Hard Times” and “Kiss Me, Kate” at Barrington Stage Company. Gabriel originated the role of Georgia in Max Posner’s “Sisters on the Ground,” published by Dramatists Play Service. She has appeared in labs at Encores! Off-Center, Playwrights Horizons and LaMaMa, among others.
Recently, Gabriel starred in “Ranch Water,” a feature film that debuted at the 2021 Austin Film Festival and premiered in 20+ festivals to date.
A descendent of Armenian Genocide survivors and Jewish immigrants, Gabriel aims to honor her family with her work.
Pianist and composer Stephanie Wu debuted with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age twelve and has since appeared as soloist with the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Wheaton Symphony Orchestra, Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, DuPage Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Symphony Orchestra, among others.
As a C.V. Starr Fellow, Dr. Wu earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Juilliard School. Dr. Wu holds her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance also from The Juilliard School, where she was awarded the Adele Marcus Piano Scholarship, Jerome L . Greene Fellowship, Richard S. Becker Scholarship, and the Jack Katzen Scholarship.
As a recitalist, Dr. Wu has performed across North America, Europe, and Asia, appearing in New York’s Steinway Hall and Yamaha Piano Salon, Chicago’s Preston Bradley Hall, France’s Palais de Fontainebleau, and in China’s Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Her performances have been broadcast on Performance Today, New York’s WQXR,
Those interested in viewing the musical performance of “Anahid,” or to help fund the animated feature is encouraged to reach out to Kadian at https://www.gabrielkadian.com/
