April 17, 2008 05:00 am The New England premiere of a riveting theatrical production will highlight the 93rd anniversary of Armenian Genocide in Merrimack Valley. "The Georgetown Boys," a musical written and directed by noted Armenian playwright Dr. Herand Markarian, will be presented Sunday, April 20, at 3 p.m. during a commemoration at North Andover Middle School, 495 Main St. The event is being sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley and expected to draw a capacity audience. "We consider it a rare experience for this region," said Chairwoman Sossy Jeknavorian. "A previous production of Dr. Markarian's several years ago, called 'Mirrors,' left an emotional impact in the community. We feel this will do the same." The production is being staged by Hamazkayin of New Jersey Youth Theater Group, a cast of 24 children and adults gathered to portray a provocative chapter in Armenian history. It depicts the story of the 1915 Genocide, when thousands of children were orphaned from Western Armenia. From these orphans, 109 were brought to Georgetown, Canada, to be trained as farmers. Despite their ages (8-12), they worked at this Toronoto suburb until they became of working age and opened farms of their own throughout the Diaspora. The bilingual nature of the musical is a welcomed element in the production as the appreciation of both the Armenian and English languages by the children and parents prevails. Markarian is the author of 25 plays and has directed more than 40 productions. He has also appeared in more than 50 roles, dividing his time between Armenia and New York. His awards in the performing arts are numerous. Theme of the observance will be "One and a Half Million Reasons to Turkish government during the genocide years of 1915-1923. Tribute will be paid to a dozen remaining survivors in Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire, some of whom will attend. The figure represents a drastic decline over the past 14 years, when the area recorded 75 survivors. Since the committee's inception in 1994, proceeds of more than $40,000 have gone toward assisting Armenian charities here and abroad. A joint requiem service will precede the play, conducted by area clergy. Hymns by the Armenian Choral Group of Merrimack Valley will accompany the service. Winners of an essay contest will be announced. Communities in Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell have proclaimed the week in recognition of the Armenian Genocide through proclamation signings and radio messages.
If you go "The Georgetown Boys" Sunday, April 20, at 3 p.m. North Andover Middle School, 495 Main St. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students. Call 978-373-1654 or 978-256-2538. A reception will follow in the school cafeteria.
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Photos
On April 20 at 3 p.m. at North Andover Middle School, members of Hamazkayin of New Jersey Youth Theater Group will stage the New England premiere of a musical production by Dr. Herand Markarian, titled "The Georgetown Boys" in observance of the 93rd anniversary of Armenian Genocide. Staff photo