Aug 19th, 2007

"ARMENIAN DRAMATIC ARTS ALLIANCE : EXPLORING AN OVERLOOKED FRONTIER

By Appo Jabarian

Executive Publisher/Managing Editor,USA Armenian Life Magazine  

Back in the 1970's, Charles Aznavour, Cher (Cher Sarkissian), William Saroyan, Mike Connors (Krikor Ohanian), Roupen Mamoulian, Henry Verneuil, Carzou, Aram Khatchadourian, Mher Mkrtchyan, Parajanov, Buck Kartalian, Karen Kondazian, David Hedison and many others had already become household names in the United States, Europe and much of the world.
Later, several more strikingly talented Armenian artists emerged on the American artistic scene. 
It is no secret that Armenian talent is experiencing an explosive growth in the world of arts and especially in performing arts.
During the seventies, who could have imagined that the succeeding decades would usher in even a wider circle of Armenian professionals in the world of performing arts and communication?
Nowadays, even a cave man can notice this phenomena.
The new generation of Armenian talents includes among others: Producers Arthur Sarkissian (Rush Hour 1, 2, 3), and Robert Papazian; directors such as Alek Keshishian, Carla Garapedian, and emerging directors Ara Soudjian, Roger Kupelian; comedians like Kev Orkian, Pierre Shammassian, James Adomian, Ara Basil, and Ashod Ghazarian; musicians and singers like Izabel Bayrakdarian, Serj Tankian and his colleagues at the System Of A Down, and Mariette Soudjian; actors like Simon Apkarian, and many more playwrights, journalists, and TV and radio personalities.
There are literally hundreds of talented Armenians waiting for a break to penetrate the rare world of working professionals in the arts. Luckily, there now exists a network or organization that was founded for the specific purpose of helping talented artists achieve their dreams and goals.
These talents can now have solace in the existence of an organization that seems to have the stamina and the willpower to make a difference. These talents are no longer alone thanks to the inception and the existence of the Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA).
Recently, ADAA held its second annual gala in Los Angeles. Several celebrities, fans and artists were in attendance (See related article at ArmenianLife.com - site under construction- via the following link: http://www.armenianlife.com/Archive/ArchivePDF/English/ 08-29-2007.pdf). It was obvious that its support base has grown within the last few months. The motto of the event was: "Become a supporter of ADAA's mission of projecting the Armenian voice on a world stage."
As they say in the entertainment industry, "it's not what you know, it's who you know!" ADAA is geared to facilitate networking.
In addition, ADAA's mission aims to translate classical theatrical works from Armenian to English; to commission new translations of texts into English; to make plays and screenplays available online in English translation; to serve as a research tool for students and scholars; to support playwrights and screenwriters of Armenian descent through scholarships and writing awards; and to serve as a resource for theatre and film professionals.
The organization's vision is bold and unique. The drive and the spirit among its members seem to be contagious.
ADDA has certainly embarked on a groundbreaking journey to help the Armenians explore the overlooked frontier in the world of arts and entertainment.
But can ADAA succeed in its multifaceted mission? Can it also help Armenia become an oasis for the international movie industry? Can it really help project "the Armenian voice on the world stage?"
It can succeed. Together, we all can. Provided that we all cooperate. So what if some are competitors. They too can cooperate without betraying their competitive spirit.
The challenge is humongous, but the rewards are mightier.