Artist’s Talk & Circle Dance
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Karen Babayan is an artist whose work engages with audiences through the visual and performing arts, and creative writing. Swallows and Armenians, her book of short stories, is now an audiobook, a touring exhibition and a playscript. Her project is an important and timely re-appraisal of the children’s classic: Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome, a book which was inspired by the Altounyans, an Anglo-Armenian family who lived in Aleppo, Syria. This illustrated talk explores the relationship between the Ransomes and Altounyans; and will give a fascinating insight into her multi-disciplinary artistic practice.
The presentation will be followed by the Circle of Life with Shakeh Major Tchilingirian, who will guide us in a virtual circle dance in honour of the Altounyan family and their hospital in Aleppo that did so much to support survivors of the Armenian Genocide. No previous dance experience nor any prior knowledge is required. We will join virtual hands coming together from all corners in a ritual time-honoured Armenian dance typical of the region and take these steps together as they would have been danced and continue to do so by communities all over the world.
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Karen Babayan was born in Tehran, Iran to Armenian-British parents, moving to the UK in 1978. Latterly she lived in the Hyde Park area of Leeds, a stone’s throw away from the house in which Arthur Ransome was born. She has lived in Cumbria since 2009. Swallows and Armenians – Flying the Nest is currently at Newbiggin Maritime Centre, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland until 31st October 2020. It tours to the Queen’s Hall, Hexham 24 April – 5 June 2021. Babayan’s work is in many public and private collections; she has exhibited extensively in the UK and internationally. www.karenbabayan.com
Shakeh Major Tchilingirian was born in London to Armenian-British parents and lived in Tehran until 1978. An acclaimed solo dance artist, choreographer and performing artist, her unique interpretations highlight the power and spirituality of Armenian dances as seen in her performances, productions and numerous collaborations. Over the last twenty years, she has conducted over 100 workshops internationally and continues to conduct workshops throughout Europe. www.shakeh.info
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Join us Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85293132052?pwd=bHZ5dVlOTVkrYzdWRjJmYU92d05XZz09
Meeting ID: 852 9313 2052 Passcode: 389478
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