Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Today the jubilee commission for preparation of the centennial celebration of William Saroyan's birth has held its first session, presided at by Commission Chairman, RA Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan.
The commission has discussed the draft program of anniversary action devoted to the 100th anniversary of the world famous writer. Considering that UNESCO declared 2008 to be the year of Saroyan, several dozens of events envisaged by program time-table will be carried throughout the year in both Armenia (Yerevan and marzes) and the USA - in Fresno - where the writer was born. In particular, in September an international theatrical festival will be held in Yerevan devoted to the great writer, attended by theatrical companies invited from Europe, the USA and the Russian Federation. An international scientific conference will take place in October under the auspices of UNESCO. The program also provides for showing of films based on Saroyan's works within the framework of Golden Apricot international festival, the publication of a bilingual souvenir book entitled "Saroyan readings," printing of the great writer's collections, staging of his plays, creation of a documentary film and "Bitlis" cartoon (W.Saroyan), organization of photo exhibitions, publishing and archival materials about W. Saroyan. A commemorative coin and a post-stamp will issued during the year dedicated to the anniversary, open lessons will be held in general educational schools devoted to W. Saroyan. The program also stipulates founding a literary award after W. Saroyan and a scholarship in the secondary schools of the Republic of Armenia. A street in Yerevan will be named after W. Saroyan.
According to the program, a gala evening dedicated the 100th anniversary of William Saroyan will take place in October, 2008 at the National Academic Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiaryan.
Instructed so by the Prime Minister, the proposals formulated during the meeting, after generalization will be submitted for approval to the commission.
