YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, ARMENPRESS. The 5th International Leonid Yengibaryan Pantomime Festival will be held August 10-15 in Tsakhkadzor, Armenia.

Within the framework of the festival, French-Armenian actor, modern pantomime creative director Vahram Zaryan arrived to Armenia. In an interview with ARMENPRESS the artist said for him modern pantomime is a flexible, musical, stage art, which must touch the audience.

What attracted you in pantomime which made you choose that path?

I made that decision with my heart and soul. I first experienced theatrical shock when I was little, when I saw Marcel Marceau, Leonid Yengibaryan, Slava Polunin on TV. After watching their performances, I realized that I want to be on stage and do mimes.

After receiving education in Armenia you developed your skills in France. What achievements did you have?

I studied in Yerevan’s State Institute of Film and Theater, in the course headed by Guj Manukyan. Since the second course I was interested in expressive movement, experimental theater. I started visiting the Pantomime Theater of Yerevan as a spectator, I got to know actress Anush Stepanyan, director of the theater Zhirayr Dadasyan. Due to Directors Yura Kostanyan and Zhirayr Dadasyan I physically interacted with pantomime. Along with Zhirayr Dadasyan we touched upon the techniques and genres of pantomime. Prior to leaving for France I got to know the history and delicacies of pantomime due to Armenian masters. All of this had a major role in my accomplishment.

In France I was lucky enough to study in the international school of pantomime of world famous master Marcel Marceau. Along with Marcel Marceau’s students, we formed a group and toured with more than 3 performances. Its already 7 years since I have my theater group in France – “Vahram Zaryan Company”. Through the theater group I am able to realize my ideas.  What I had to say led to the creation of the group. I have collaborated with the group’s members in the past also, that’s why we are able to work together not only in artistic but also administrative issues.

This is already the 2nd time you are participating in the Leonid Yengibaryan International Pantomime Festival. Tell us about your impressions.

I had positive impressions from the first participation, that’s why I am here again. The festival is a wonderful platform for exchange of experience. It is broadening its geography, the number of participants has increased. This speaks to the fact that there is great interest towards the festival. It is very pleasant for me to take part in the festival, I feel myself home.

What lacks in Armenia for the development of pantomime, and what problems are present in this area?

Nothing lacks in Armenia for the development of pantomime. The Yerevan State Pantomime Theater is able to represent Armenia in foreign countries. I think the mission of this theater is presenting Armenian stylistics through pantomime. Armenian medieval themes, dynamic gestures and movements are chosen, which are in line with our psychological state and history. An Armenian school of pantomime has been created, which is necessary to be proud of.

What upcoming projects do you have?

Starting September 1 we are launching rehearsals for the new “Oblika” performance. We are collaborating with “Ensemble Rodier” modern musicians’ ensemble. It presents live modern music. The performance will be presented not only on stage, but also in museums. Special music has been written for the performance. I have great hopes for performing in front of Armenian audiences in the future outside the framework of the festival.

Thank you for talking with us.

Interview by Angela Hambardzumyan