The Opera “Anoush” in Yerevan

Helen Adourian, July 2022

Going to the “Anoush” opera, composed by Armen Tigranyan, was an experience. The opera was about a young woman named Anoosh who falls in love with young man named Saro, but her mother learns this and does not let her see him. However once what was supposed to be a friendly and traditional wrestle with Anoush’s brother, Mossy (Anoush’s brother), and Saro, Saro throws Mossy to the ground. This is considered dishonorable for the man with his back on the ground. Mossy, claims that he will find Saro and kill him. And this is exactly what he does. Anoosh, learning this, you guessed it, kills herself. After learning that her love, Saro, is killed, she throws herself off of the cliff. Dramatic…

This left me in……………..deep sleep. Again, just like during the “Carmen” opera the week before. But hey! It’s not my fault the seats are so comfortable at Yerevan Theater of Opera and Ballet! 

I thought that this was an interesting opera. The reason is because the story was similar to Romeo and Juliet, by Shakespeare. I  believe that Shakespeare had a big influence on people around the world, making many opera writers create storylines similar to his plays. However this does annoy me. This is because I think people should try to create something completely their own. 

I also thought that the actors in the opera were terrible. The actors were following the lines but not showing any emotion. This got the audience unimpressed. Or at least it got me unimpressed, but definitely not the one person in the audience screaming and clapping and probably waving a foam finger with that. 

I did think that the costumes were great. The dresses were very traditional, and Armenian. It showed how Armenian the opera was. And no, not every Armenian family is like that. Or are they…:)

While I am not a professional at reviewing operas, I am a professional at criticizing. My Mom says that this makes me a critic.  I thought the old women with jet black dyed wigs on their heads were very funny. I believe that I would do the same things trying to be young again, but it showed. I have sympathy for them.

Adios, au revoir, Arrivederci, Sayōnara, Adeus, Annyeong, tschuss, in short, goodbye.

Helen 🙂