THE COVERAGE OF THE THEATRICAL LIFE OF ARTSAKH IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY AND THE BEGINNING OF THE 20TH CENTURY ON THE PAGES OF THE NEWSPAPER “KARABAKH” (1911-1912)

Abstract

Thus, summarizing our scientific research, we can clearly emphasize that theatrical art flourished in Artsakh in the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It should be noted that until the second half of the 19th century, the Armenians of Artsakh had their theatrical traditions for centuries. There was theater in dance art, at parties and events. But there was no professional theater yet, preconditions were created for that only when in 1865 famous figures of the Armenian theater Gevorg Chmshkyan, Mihrdat Americyan and Sedrak Mandinyan came to Shushi. And the Mkrtich Khandamiryan Theater was built in Shushi in 1891. It had a 350-seat hall. 

Separate issues related to the socio-economic, political and cultural events in Artsakh were covered in almost all issues of the three-day literary-social newspaper "Karabakh". Covering the theatrical art of Artsakh in 19111912, the newspaper emphasized that the theater continued to flourish in that period. Theatrical performances took place in different parts of Artsakh. A number of interesting and multi-genre theatrical performances took place at the Diocesan school of Shusha, at the Mariamyan girls 'school, at the Hripsimyan girls' school, at the school of the Saint Astvatsatsin church of Aguletsots, at the school of boys of the Saint Astvatsatsin church of Megretsots, at the Mariam-Ghukasyan school, at the school of Realakan. A number of interesting and multi-genre theatrical performances also took place at the Diocesan School of Shushi, at the Girls' School of Mariamyan, at the Girls' School of Hripsimyan, at the school of Aguletsots St. Astvatsatsin Church, at the Boys' School of Meghretsots St. Astvatsatsin Church, at the school of Mariam-Ghukasyan, at the school of Realakan, at kindergartens, in private homes of wealthy people and at other places at that time. 

Numerous multi-genre performances also took place in 1911-1912: "Adam and Eve" Vardanank, " The savage", "The Charlatan", "Heart is a mystery", "Naughty", "The Valley of Tears", "The Engaged" drama, "Modern Heroes" comedy, famous playwright Gordin's drama "The devil", the drama "Christine", Nardos' drama "The Killed Dove", Measnitsky's drama "I died" and other performances.