The class will survey the history of modern Armenian theatre and opera from its inception in the second half of the 19th century in the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (Istanbul today). We will focus on the most prominent Armenian composer of the 19th century DIKRAN TCHOUHADJIAN and his operatic heritage to consider the history of Armenian performing arts and the ways in which it has been kept alive. The course offers an investigation into the artistic, social, geopolitical, historical and financial complexities of this particular Armenian art form, which remains relatively unknown compared to other forms of Armenian artistic and national expression. We will discuss the obstacles that have hindered the media visibility of this operative tradition globally, as well as the psychological setbacks of Armenians (especially after the Genocide) as to whether their performing arts are worth international exposure. The general aim of the course is to encourage students to reflect and think critically about the knowledge they will acquire about Armenian theater and their operatic tradition.
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