By Gerald Papasian
GYUMRI, Armenia — On May 14, at Gyumri’s Yeia Ekmekchyan Benjamin Hall, and on May 16 in Yerevan, at the Hrachya Ghaplanian Dramatic Theater, the Turkish Niluferi Municipal Theater company of Bursa presented Haqop Baronian’s comedy “Eastern Dentist,” translated into Turkish.
The performance originally was created in Istanbul in 2012, underscoring the essential role of Armenians in the foundation of Turkish theater.
I had heard about the production’s success of and seen their articles and program notes devoted to the innovating genius of Armenian theatrical figures such as Hagop Vartovian, Mardiros Mnakian, Vahram Papazian and especially Hagop Baronian.
I was impatient to see the Turkish translation of this work which, by the way, is the first time a work by an Armenian author was performed by a Turkish state company, especially since by a pleasant coincidence, I am preparing the same play for the opening of the autumn season in Yerevan, at the Henrik Malian Theater.
I do not know how ads and publicity were carried out in Armenia for such a historical event, but it was a pity to see the almost total absence of Armenian theatrical personalities in the house.