ARMENIAN FOLK EPIC “DAREDEVILS OF SASUN” - ARMENIAN INSTITUTE

LECTURE

ARMENIAN FOLK EPIC “DAREDEVILS OF SASUN”

By Dr Azat Yeghiazarian, Head of Department of Modern Literature, M Abeghyan Institute, Yerevan

With Vergine Gulbenkian, storytelling

Wednesday, 15 October 2008, 7:30 pm

Armenian House, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8

Admission: £3 (£2 for Friends of Armenian Institute)

(Tube: High Street Kensington)

Dr Yeghiazarian will discuss the mediaeval Armenian epic “Daredevils of Sasun”. He will also explore an early cycle of epic songs preceding the epic by centuries, of which only the remnants are found today. The epic which emerged was based on new, mostly Christian, moral values and a novel representation of the world. In his lecture, Dr Yeghiazaryan will discuss the originality of Armenian mediaeval epic as well as its general features which connect it with other epics around the world.

Vergine Gulbenkian has performed traditional tales and epics in major venues, schools, museums, festivals and clubs around Great Britain. She has conducted research into Armenian storytelling and Armenian folk songs are an integral part of her performances. She is currently touring a new commission "The Cradle of Life", and developing education programmes with museums in Oxford. Vergine has been telling "Sasuntsi Tavit" in English for over ten years, exploring ways to bring this wonderful epic to life for present-day audiences.

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The Armenian Institute is a London-based registered charity dedicated to making Armenian culture and history a living experience, through innovative programmes, educational resources, workshops, exhibits and performances. Its work is supported by friends, patrons and voluntary donations. For more information about the Armenian Institute or to find out about supporting the important work of the Institute, please visit our website at www.armenianinstitute.org.uk, contact us at info@armenianinstitute.org. or call 020 7978 9104.

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