32nd International “Theatrical Lori” Festival to open on September 26

The 32nd International “Theatrical Lori” Festival will open on September 26, bringing together 20 theatres from different cities in Armenia and several countries. The festival will be held in Alaverdi and Vanadzor.

Organizers said theatre companies from Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Russia and Serbia will present a variety of productions.

“There are no genre restrictions, with puppet, children’s and youth, chamber and other performances on the program,” festival director Hrachya Papinyan said at a press conference.

Papinyan said Iranian partners had also expressed willingness to participate, but transportation difficulties due to the tense regional situation could prevent them from participating. “In any case, we hope there will also be participation from Iran,” he said.

Hakob Ghazanchyan, chairman of the Union of Theatre Workers of Armenia, said the festival has evolved from a regional festival for amateur theatre groups into a nationwide festival and, since 2012, an international one.

“The festival features interesting productions every year. Both state and private theatres participate. The festival is highly anticipated by local residents, and performances are held in packed halls. People not only enjoy the performances but also have the opportunity to interact with their favorite actors. Such events significantly transform cultural life in the regions, which is very important,” Ghazanchyan said.

The festival has included the “Days of Russian Theatre” program since 2012, featuring Russian theatres from Yerevan and Russia.

This year’s “Theatrical Lori” Festival is dedicated to the 170th anniversary of the Petros Adamian State Armenian Drama Theatre of Tbilisi. The festival will close on October 15 in Vanadzor with the theatre’s production of “Pepo.”

Admission to all performances is free. The full program is available on the festival’s official Facebook page.