More than 450 guests from the Berdavan, Koghb, Noyemberyan, and Yerevan communities witnessed the impressive play of the schoolchildren in the Tavush region.
The cultural event started two years ago when the "100 Years Later" theatrical performance was staged, featuring a collaboration among UNFPA, OxYGen Foundation, Nairyan Vocal Ensemble, and Mughdusian Art Center within the framework of the EU and UNFPA-funded program "Addressing Gender-Biased Sex Selection and Related Harmful Practices in the South Caucasus: Support for Regional, National and South–South Interventions."
The play showcased prominent Armenian public figures of the 20th century and their roles in women's empowerment. Actresses portrayed MPs from the Parliament of the First Republic of Armenia: Varvara-Varya Sahakyan, Katarine Zalyan-Manukyan, Perchuhi Partizpanyan-Barseghyan, and famous public figures Zapel Yesayan and Shushanik Kurginyan.
This time, the "100 Years Later" theatrical performance was presented as a pilot program by the pupils of the Tavush region. Schoolchildren from Berdavan, Koghb, Noyemberyan communities played the roles of Varvara-Varya Sahakyan, Katarine Zalyan-Manukyan, Perchuhi Partizpanyan-Barseghyan, Zapel Yesayan, Shushanik Kurginyan, and Mariam Tumanyan.
The purpose of the initiative was also to enhance the awareness of teachers and students on the issues of women's and men's equal rights and opportunities, as well as to propose educational institutions to initiate similar events and interventions.
"In this play, various prominent and strong Armenian women were presented, and each of them can be a great example for our young generation and motivate them. We hope that this initiative will have a multiplicative effect, and this play will be staged in many other educational institutions, and young people will present the play in their own way," stated Tsovinar Harutyunyan, the UNFPA head of office.
"I would like my character to open up more. During the play, she comes, says the important words, and that's it... but I am sure she has much more to say to all of us," emphasized Nane Azatyan, the actor playing Varvara Sahakyan. She enthusiastically described her character. "She wears a nice dress, and at first glance, you can understand that she is a powerful and brave woman, and the dress helps to reveal her character."
"When I read the script, I realized that Shushanik's character is very close to my heart," said Shoghik Mkrtchyan, the actor playing Shushanik Kurghinyan, with great enthusiasm. "She is a very active woman, and it is the role I desired."
