"No one can tread on my pet corn"
On May 22 the Tesaket Club hosted artists Erwand Manarian and Martin Vardazarian who dwelt on the upcoming mayoral election.
"I am surprised that party membership is boosting in our society instead of declining. Today all schools affiliate themselves with parties without any shame. This is a crime against our people, history and future generations," announced Erwand Manarian.
Erwand Manarian's words followed a journalist's question who wondered how Martin Vardazarian could enlist a party (he meant the Republican Party of Armenia) which holds a campaign at schools.
In reply Martin Vardazarian cited a well-known film: "I am a musician and I am not engaged in politics."
Martin Vardazarian says before the offset of the election campaign he was involved in the Public Council of Kentron District. The composer was content with the Council's organized and high-level activity, therefore he willingly accepted their offer.
"I am affiliated with no party. I shall work with a team which features a number of nonpartisan artists like me. I stand for the City Council to have my share in the capital's future wellbeing. I simply want to be helpful," announced Mr. Vardazarian.
Erwand Manarian announced that he is proud to support Levon Ter-Petrosian's team and to stand on the same platform with the first President. Everybody knows about it and no one can tread on my pet corn. The artist has nothing to conceal though ten years ago Erwand Manarian was the first dramaturg to criticize Levon Ter-Petrosian's policy.
Both artists agreed that Yerevan's cultural image is marred: few people visit theatres and concert halls nowadays. This is resulted by the lack of cultural education and upbringing.
