A Statue of Yervand Manaryan Unveiled in Yerevan
On October 31, a bronze statue of Yervand Manaryan, People’s Artist of Armenia, actor, and director, was installed on Sayat-Nova Street in Yerevan, in front of the Hovhannes Tumanyan National Puppet Theater. The statue stands at a height of 2.8 meters. It was created by sculptor Armenak Vardanyan, with architect Mikael Misakyan.
The event was attended by Nikol Pashinyan, Tigran Avinyan, Zhanna Andreasyan, members of Manaryan’s family, intellectuals, artists, and others. In opening remarks, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports noted that the statue was installed as part of the events celebrating the 100th anniversary of Manaryan’s birth.
Statues are meant to emphasize a person’s presence, but often they can distance people from reality. I believe this statue is different because it has a playful element, giving the sense that in front of the Puppet Theater, we have the opportunity to begin or continue a performance starting with the statue. This is perhaps one of the most significant ways we can properly honor Yervand Manaryan and highlight his important role in the development of art, particularly in the art of puppetry.
Following the statue unveiling ceremony, a stamp cancellation ceremony was held in honor of the actor’s 100th anniversary, and a photography exhibition dedicated to Manaryan’s life and creative work opened at the Puppet Theater.