5.00 pm THE HERITAGE OF ARMENIAN WOMEN: CHALLENGES AND HOPES FROM MKHITAR GOSH, ZABEL YESSAYAN TO MODERN DAY ARMENIA.
By Anna Arutshyan
6.00 – 7.00 pm Light Supper
7.00 pm TRANSLATING ZABEL YESSAYAN FOR A NEW AUDIENCE
With Judith Saryan and Danila Terpanjian, editors of recent English translations of 3 Yessayan books
£12 | £10 (concessions) | To include talks and light supper
£5 talks only
Inspired by the documentary Finding Zabel Yessayan, Judith Saryan and Danila Terpanjian partnered with the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) to commission and edit English translations of her work: The Gardens of Silihdar (trans. Jennifer Manoukian), My Soul in Exile, and In the Ruins (both trans. G.M. Goshgarian). The editors write that “These three volumes contain arguably the best and most influential works of a gifted artist, human rights activist and pioneer. They provide a picture of the scope, breath and historical significance of her writing and bring the reader into a world delicately balanced between intense beauty and unpunished cruelty.” This evening provides an exciting opportunity to learn more about Yessayan as Judith and Danila read from the books and talk about the process of translation and their engagement with Yessayan’s work. Books will be available for sale.
After 37 years in finance, Judith Saryan changed direction and embarked on a career in publishing, editing and writing. In partnership with the Armenian International Women's Association, she helped to publish three works in English translation by Zabel Yessayan. Judith also recently started a blog: JudyinAmerica.wordpress.com.
Danila Jebejian Terpanjian is a librarian, retired from Harvard University’s Widener Library system where she held various collection management positions. Current interests are focus on activities to motivate the revival of interest in Western Armenian language and literature. Originally from Aleppo, she studied in Europe and now resides in the US.
Anna Arutshyan is an activist advocating for gender equality and long lasting peace. In 2001 she founded ''Society Without Violence'' in Yerevan and works with global women's organisations. Editor or author of numerous publications, she also spearheaded the Rapid Response Unit concept for effective reaction and prevention of domestic violence in Armenia.
Join us for a light supper between the talks, allowing more time for discussion with Anna, Judith and Danila.