Berj Fazlian՚s “Othello” on the Armenian Stage in Canada

Abstract

From the beginning of their settlement in Canada, since the early 1900s, Armenians have been actively engaged in organizing and holding modest shows and gatherings with recitals, songs, theatrical rehearsals, and impromptu performances. Their purpose was to unite the Armenians of the community, as well as to raise funds in favour of Armenian immigrants, schools, and hospitals. Although the performances of those shows and gatherings did not have any outstanding artistic value, it is an undeniable fact that they played a significant role in educating the younger generation of Armenians in the spirit of national-cultural traditions, preserving national identity, and served their main goal of uniting the Armenians of Canada to acquaint and connect them with the national theatre. In this regard, the organizers of the aforementioned events deserve all the praise and high evaluation.