By Susanna Petrosyan, Yerevan. Exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza
Development of Armenian-Russian cultural and educational cooperation has many problems. The international high school educational program in Armenia has a quota for operation of four Russian, one English, one French and other schools. However, local observers are surprised that Russia has not made use of its quota, unlike other countries.
Staging of the Spartacus ballet by Russian ballet master Yuri Grigorovich has become the only Armenian-Russian cultural project in the last 23 years of independence. No one in Russia or Armenia has ever thought about new projects to stage ballet or opera performances. Russian TV companies broadcast reports about staging of the Yevgeny Onegin opera in Boston. But few people wonder why such an opera could not be staged in Yerevan. Art is a sector where Russia is one of the world’s leaders. Prosperous Armenians living in Russia could offer assistance. On the one hand, realization of such projects would benefit the historical homeland, on the other hand, it is undeniably beneficial for Russia too.
Russia could help the Stanislavsky Russian Theater in Yerevan. On the other hand, visits of Russian theaters to Armenia have become rare. Yet, in Soviet times, Moscow theaters were making long performances. And plays for high-ranking officials were also open to ordinary people. Armenia and Russia are doing great in developing showbusiness today, but that is not enough.
Ever since Armenia became independent in education and culture, it has encountered new active players. France, for example, offers donations to Armenian theaters that stage plays by French authors. American and English musicals can be seen children’s music schools and the Center for Preservation of Young Voices. Free lessons in the English language are available all over the country. The British embassy helps English teachers visit London for training. Why would Russia not do the same?
Despite the programs realized by the U.S., the UK, France and other countries, Russian remains the most popular language. According to the census in 2011, only 3.61% of the population spoke English. This means that proper and consistent work would create good prospects for development of the Russian language in Armenia.
Russian has been the most popular foreign language so farBy Susanna Petrosyan, Yerevan. Exclusively for Vestnik KavkazaDevelopment of Armenian-Russian cultural and educational cooperation has many problems. The international high school educational program in Armenia has a quota for operation of four Russian, one English, one French and other schools. However, local observers are surprised that Russia has not made use of its quota, unlike other countries.Staging of the Spartacus ballet by Russian ballet master Yuri Grigorovich has become the only Armenian-Russian cultural project in the last 23 years of independence. No one in Russia or Armenia has ever thought about new projects to stage ballet or opera performances. Russian TV companies broadcast reports about staging of the Yevgeny Onegin opera in Boston. But few people wonder why such an opera could not be staged in Yerevan. Art is a sector where Russia is one of the world’s leaders. Prosperous Armenians living in Russia could offer assistance. On the one hand, realization of such projects would benefit the historical homeland, on the other hand, it is undeniably beneficial for Russia too.Russia could help the Stanislavsky Russian Theater in Yerevan. On the other hand, visits of Russian theaters to Armenia have become rare. Yet, in Soviet times, Moscow theaters were making long performances. And plays for high-ranking officials were also open to ordinary people. Armenia and Russia are doing great in developing showbusiness today, but that is not enough.Ever since Armenia became independent in education and culture, it has encountered new active players. France, for example, offers donations to Armenian theaters that stage plays by French authors. American and English musicals can be seen children’s music schools and the Center for Preservation of Young Voices. Free lessons in the English language are available all over the country. The British embassy helps English teachers visit London for training. Why would Russia not do the same?Despite the programs realized by the U.S., the UK, France and other countries, Russian remains the most popular language. According to the census in 2011, only 3.61% of the population spoke English. This means that proper and consistent work would create good prospects for development of the Russian language in Armeni
