TORONTO — The Tekeyan Cultural Association of Toronto held a book signing evening at its center on Friday, October 17, with a capacity crowd attending.
Two books of Vahan Tekeyan poetry were presented at the affair.
George Tutunjian, president of the TCA Chapter, served as the master of ceremonies. He invited his brother, Jirayr Tutunjian, editor and writer, to make a presentation of Tekeyan’s bilingual book translated by Gerald Papasian and John Papasian, and edited by Edmond Azadian and Gerald Papasian.
Although he spoke in English, his command of the Armenian language and knowledge of Armenian literature were impressive. He made an incisive analysis of the books, offering his evaluation of rendering Tekeyan’s poetry in English.
Silva Sahakian, a veteran performer on Toronto stages, recited three poems by Tekeyan. Edmond Azadian was invited for concluding remarks. He thanked the participants in the program and then he dwelt on the publication of the twin books on Tekeyan. The Armenian version was intended for readers in Armenia, where the poet is not a very familiar figure. The bilingual book was intended to an international audience. The introductions of both books, authorized by Azadian, have different thrusts and direction.
A reception followed the program during which time the participants approached the guest speaker for the significance of the book.
