In furthering the collaboration between the "Folk Arts Hub" Foundation and the "Ayrogi" Shadow Theater, the "Third National Shadow Play" festival took place on November 18 of this year.
Participation in the festival extended to 12 shadow play groups, hailing from diverse regions and communities across Armenia. These groups showcased a spectrum of performances, encompassing both traditional and innovative animated shadow plays.
The inclusion of participants spanning various age groups and the emergence of new groups within the past year are indicative of a promising trajectory for the preservation of this facet of Armenian culture. Undoubtedly, one of the oldest forms of theater is undergoing a perennial resurgence, permeating schools and captivating audiences from children to adults.
Each participating group received accolades in distinct categories, exemplified as follows:
- Best Shadow Performance: "Shadow People," Ayb School
- Best Children's Play: "Ants," Mkhitar Sebastsi Educational Complex
- Best Presentation of Traditional Craft: "Lamp," Hovhannes Sharambeyan Folk Art Museum
- Best Overall Performance: "Fairy Tale House," Pambak Village of Lorva Region
- Best Music Composition: "Avetis," Tsaghkadzor Community, Meghradzor Sports and Culture Center named after Samvel Muradyan
- Best Adherence to the Author's Vision: "Bebuk"
- Best Scenario: "Enki," Hovhannes Sharambeyan Museum of Folk Arts
- Pinnacle Contribution to Continuing the Traditional Shadow Play: Noyemberyan Shadow Play Theater of Tavush Region
- Best Cast: "Smile," No. 3 Children's and Youth Creative Center
- Most Innovative Idea: Gegham Gulikyan
- Best Graphic Work: "Kenats Korov," Haghartsin Village, Tavush Marz
- Best Director: "Tatiks," Hovhannes Sharambeyan Museum of Folk Arts
These distinctions collectively underscore the richness and diversity showcased at the festival, with each award serving as a testament to the outstanding contributions of the respective participants and groups.
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