Armenia-France Partnership to Bring More Dance, Theater and Cultural Projects

Armenia and French theater company Saté-Âtre have formalized a new partnership to expand cultural exchange between the two countries, with a focus on contemporary dance, theater and opportunities for young artists.

The memorandum was signed by Deputy Education, Science, Culture and Sports Minister Tigran Virabyan and Saté-Âtre Director Satenik “Saté” Khachatryan, the ministry said.

The agreement builds on several French-Armenian projects already developed by the two sides and is intended to create a more regular framework for future productions, training programs and cultural events in both countries.

Among the earlier collaborations was “The Color of Pomegranates,” a production created for the 100th anniversary of filmmaker Sergei Parajanov. The work was choreographed by Mourad Merzouki and conceived by Khachatryan.

Virabyan said those projects had already laid the groundwork for closer cooperation and expressed hope that the new agreement would lead to a broader range of joint initiatives.

Under the memorandum, the Armenian ministry will support collaborative projects and help bring in Armenian and international partners. Saté-Âtre will handle the creative, production and organizational work and help present the projects internationally, particularly in France.

The two sides also plan to develop educational programs for young artists, along with master classes, creative laboratories, festivals, discussions and other cultural events.

Their previous work also includes “Kochar 360°,” a dance performance marking the 125th anniversary of Armenian artist Yervand Kochar. Merzouki choreographed the production, which was conceived by Khachatryan.

Saté-Âtre and the ministry have also worked together on the “Manouchian Week” project at the Artashat Theatre.

The memorandum is expected to give those individual projects a longer-term structure while creating new channels for Armenian artists to reach audiences in France and for French cultural programs to expand their presence in Armenia.

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