Arthur Elbakyan
Arthur Elbakyan 
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| Ethnicities | Armenian |
Arthur Elbakyan's play to premiere in New York City
Published: Saturday September 27, 2014
Arthur Elbakyan.
NEW YORK - The world premiere of "My Insane Shakespeare" by Arthur Elbakyan is set to open at Theatre Row, in the heart of New York City's theatre district on the 42nd street.
What is better, to be in a mental hospital among normal people or to be free among the insane? This is one of the questions I ask in my performance.
"My Insane Shakespeare" will premiere at United Solo, the world's largest solo theatre festival on October 13, which is currently sold-out with an additional bestseller performance on October 19. The play is written, directed, and performed by Arthur Elbakyan.
"What is better, to be in a mental hospital among normal people or to be free among the insane? This is one of the questions I ask in my performance," states Elbakyan.
Elbakyan plays the main character, an actor, who involuntarily finds himself in a mental hospital at which point, the key developments of the play unfold. Betrayed by his close friends and allies, the actor analyzes life, love, hatred, vanity, human rights, freedom of speech, and the rulers of the world. In the midst of solidarity and seclusion, his feelings and emotions begin to flow upon paper and canvas.
"I tell this true story with my paintings, which make up part of the stage design. I have painted the inner battles and breakthroughs of the main character," says Elbakyan, "'My Insane Shakespeare' is a reflection on how an individual doesn't break down in an insane asylum but instead, against all odds, finds inner strength and willpower to live, love and create."
By drawing parallels between our modern day lives and the days of Shakespeare, Elbakyan proves that over time, human relationships and values have not changed at all. Moreover, he shows that Shakespeare's "to be, or not to be" has become even more of a burning question today.
Arthur Elbakyan is an international actor and theatre, film, and television director and producer. Having lived in Armenia, Russia, Europe and the United States, Elbakyan has played over 30 leading theatre roles and has been the author and host of numerous television shows. Elbakyan was the founder of the Theatre Studio "13" and also co-founded the first independent television channel in Armenia "AR". His passion for theatre was strong enough to bring theatre to television with his introduction of a series of television shows "It's Majesty Theatre" on the National Television of Armenia, taking the audience to the unique world of the theatre and performing arts. Recently, Elbakyan has received Best Documentary Short Award at the Los Angeles Film and Script Festival.
2014 United Solo Theatre Festival celebrates its 5th anniversary season and its dynamic expansion in scope and popularity. Over 130 shows from six continents are staged at Theatre Row: 410 West 42nd Street, New York City. TICKETS, with a price of $19.25 (including a $1.25 theatre restoration charge) are available at Theatre Row box office, 410 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, as well as over the phone at 212.239.6200 and online at telecharge.com. More details can be found at unitedsolo.org
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2014-09-27-arthur-elbakyan-s-play-to-premiere-in-new-york-city