By Hagop Vartivarian
NEW YORK — The cultural life of the Greater New York Armenian community was further enriched with the theatrical endeavor of Taleen Babayan. Already a recognized name to the readership of the Armenian-Mirror Spectator for the last decade with her frequent articles and reporting, we are doubly pleased to see a young talent interested in writing plays, possibly the most difficult genre of literature.
Babayan possesses a deep knowledge of what defines an Armenian-American family: the traditional family clinging firmly to ethnic customs, juxtaposed with the current generation striving to adapt and adjust to a new environment. Whereas during the last century renowned literary figures such as Peniamin Nourigian, Aram Haigaz, Vahe Hayg, Souren Manuelian, and Hagop Asadourian lamented the pain of immigrants arriving from historic Armenia, today Babayan laments the pain of young Armenian-Americans, whose families arrived from Beirut, Aleppo, Istanbul, and Tehran, and who strive to speak and live the Armenian spirit outside of their homeland. We only hope that her endeavor becomes an inspiration to her generation.
She was indeed raised in a traditional Armenian family. Her grandfather, Yervant Babayan, is a prominent educator and prolific writer, and her father, Nerses, was engaged in journalism for many years and associated with the Armenian Mirror-Spectator. Furthermore, she continues to receive the attention and care of her loving mother, Hermine.
Like many others of her generation, Babayan spent her college years away from home in a non-Armenian environment, but maintained the ties to her Armenian culture during that time. She has acquired her knowledge of the Armenian language at home and from Saturday Armenian School. She is worthy of much praise.
Back to the play. “Where Is Your Groom?” is 80-percent English and 20-percent Armenian and they complement each other in perfect harmony. All the young actors at the performance on Saturday, October 26, at The Players Theatre, were essentially the product of the Middle East and close to 250 attendees watched their acting and accurate Armenian pronunciation with pure pleasure.
