By: Tanya Ohanian
Tanya_ohanian@yahoo.com
Hidden behind the codes of melody, Komitas laid his soul bare for the world to see. Vulnerable and slightly misunderstood by the others in the seminary, he knew the quality of his music and what it would one day become. The essence of Komitas’ life is seen vividly through the eyes of two women… which brings me to introduce the playwrights of the play Komitas, Lily Thomassian and co-writer Lory Tatoulian - one slightly introverted yet bursting with life and the other raised with religious ideals and a deep, ardent love for the arts. When asked as to what word summed up Komitas’ being, Lory simply replied “hoki” or soul. It is this very idea that fueled and inspired the creation of this play.
After reading the script, I was pleased to see an imaginative blend of both comedy and drama, which didn’t allow for a single dull moment. It starts off with the entrance of young Soghomon Soghomonyan (Komitas, before his name change) into the Echmiadzin Seminary. It portrays the creation of his world-famous choir and the disapproval that ensued from the clergymen of the seminary.
Of course, no story is complete without the purest rawest emotion known to man – love. The plot explores the untold romance of Komitas and a woman by the name of Margaret Babian.
As for the end, not much can be said for the wretchedness of the Armenian Genocide or of Komitas’ untimely demise that followed in lieu with his mental illness due to his inability to accept the suffering of his people. All in all, the play brilliantly captures the very fundamental nature of Komitas’ trials and tribulations, all the while showing a new more colorful and comedic side to the great Komitas Vardapet.
The goal in producing the play falls far from being pretentious, but rather focuses on educating youth and older generations alike, in a positive attempt to further expose Komitas to the world, and by doing so, keeping his story and music alive. The playwrights plan to produce the play Komitas on a professional stage sometime within this year. The success of this play rests in the hands of gracious sponsors and eager volunteers who wish to help carry on the legacy of Komitas; a fundraiser will be held on March 28th at the home of Catherine Yesayan in order to raise the necessary funds.
Volunteers are essential to this project. If you are in any way interested in acting, volunteering, sponsoring, or attending the fundraiser, please don’t hesitate to contact Lily Thomassian or Lory Tatoulian through visiting the play’s website www.thekomitasplay.com or the Facebook page Komitas - The Play.
“We - all of us - we have to care. You see, our folk songs are like crimson threads that are woven through the fabric of our nation. It’s what keeps us together. What makes us be ‘us’. We will be orphaned, without identity. Like someone who has lost his clothes. We will be naked.” These are words taken from the script, further portraying Komitas as a beacon of hope.
What I realized from the play and his amazing life story is the moral of seeing the beauty in simplicity… never downplaying its significance, but understanding that there is more to life than its superficialities. Komitas’ experimental musical style has paved the way for artists throughout the world. Proving to be an inspiration to many, the story of the plight of the Armenian people is quite inexplicably told through his music. By appreciating and enjoying his music, we Armenians are fulfilling his lifelong ambition of spreading joy and spirituality to everyone.
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