"Hamazgayn Theatre Building Inaugurated in Yerevan as Tribute to Sos Sargsyan" by Carlo Coppola
YEREVAN, Armenia – January 23, 2026, marked a historic milestone for Armenia's cultural landscape as the new building of the Sos Sargsyan Hamazgayn National Theatre was officially inaugurated in the capital, ending a prolonged 35-year quest for a dedicated permanent venue. Founded in 1991 by the legendary Armenian actor and director Sos Sargsyan (1929-2013), a People's Artist of the USSR, the theatre had long operated from temporary spaces within the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography.
The foundation stone for the new facility, located on Henri Verneuil Street, was laid in March 2019 during a ceremonial event where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan symbolically participated by collecting rubbish from the site to emphasize community involvement. Construction, designed by architect Isahak Nersisyan, was funded through a combination of state budget allocations and private donations, totaling over 275 million drams— with 205 million dedicated to equipment and furnishings, and 70 million for the building works itself.
The inauguration ceremony drew a distinguished crowd, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan, along with deputy ministers, prominent intellectuals, and members of the arts community. Pashinyan and Andreasyan personally toured the new premises, inspecting the state-of-the-art facilities that now define this cultural hub.
Artistic Director Narine Grigoryan captured the emotional weight of the occasion, noting, "When we shared the news about the theater’s opening, everyone started crying. This moment has been long awaited." Grigoryan, who has steered the theatre through years of anticipation, directed the inaugural performance herself: Maurice Maeterlinck's "The Miracle of Saint Anthony." She explained the choice as deliberate, stating, "A theatre should introduce itself through theatre. It is very theatrical, joyful and reflects the theater in all its manifestations." Remarkably, rehearsals for the production occurred amid ongoing construction, with the team adapting by shifting between floors and corners as work progressed.
The new building boasts multifunctional halls designed to meet stringent safety standards, including electrical, fire, and acoustic regulations. It features a modern stage equipped with advanced lighting and sound systems, essential technical infrastructure, dressing rooms, and makeup areas. The first floor includes a small experimental stage for innovative performances, while the second floor houses a spacious main auditorium accommodating over 230 spectators.
Beyond its role as a performance space, the venue serves as a living memorial to Sos Sargsyan, showcasing his personal belongings, stage props, and artifacts that highlight his illustrious career. Sargsyan, renowned for his role in Andrei Tarkovsky's iconic film "Solaris" and his 1991 presidential candidacy in Armenia, drew significant inspiration from Italian playwright Eduardo De Filippo (1900-1984). This influence was evident in the theatre's early productions; for its initial staging in the 1990s, Sargsyan selected De Filippo's "The Mayor of Rione Sanità," a work that mirrored the sociopolitical challenges of post-Soviet Armenia. He later directed "Christmas at the Cupiello House," further embedding European theatrical traditions into Armenian culture.
Looking ahead, the Hamazgayn Theatre's troupe is set to depart for an international festival in India on January 26, 2026, showcasing their talent on a global stage. Upon return, February promises a flurry of new productions, including Andranik Mikayelyan's "The Stone," inspired by the works of Armenian artist Yervand Kochar, and Simon Abkarian's "Penelope," which Grigoryan hailed as the "crown jewel" of the year. The premiere of "Penelope" is slated for February 25, though slightly delayed due to Abkarian's travel constraints.
The year will culminate in celebrations for the theatre's 35th anniversary, with Grigoryan envisioning a series of events: "We are preparing for a year of gradual, continuous celebrations. God willing, everything will be well in the world and in our country, and we will all enjoy and be nourished by art."
Embodying Sargsyan's visionary ethos, the Hamazgayn National Theatre stands as a vital bridge between Armenia's rich traditions and European cultural influences. It functions not only as a performance venue but also as a platform for civic engagement and cross-cultural dialogue, fostering artistic growth and community unity in a post-independence era. This inauguration not only fulfills a long-standing dream but also reinforces Armenia's commitment to preserving and evolving its theatrical heritage.
Carlo Coppola
