Neonaturalism: The HandArt theater

ArmInfo. The Armenian HandArt Theater has become the world's first representative of a new theatrical movement known as "Neonaturalism." This was announced by the theater's producer and screenwriter, Tigran Gyulumyan, during a press event held on the occasion of the company's latest premiere,  the play "Our Red-Green House."

Gyulumyan explained that months prior, at an International Theater  Forum, Armenian theater scholar Anush Aslabekyan presented the work,  concept, and unique characteristics of the HandArt Theater as her  academic research. This presentation received international media  coverage, prompting the organization's leadership to initiate a  patenting process for the theater. Their research confirmed that the  Armenian troupe is the only one in the world operating in this  specific format and style.

"There are many theaters and outdoor performances in the world," said  Gyulumyan. "But an open-air theater with a permanent, stationary  repertoire—we are the first and only ones." He confirmed that HandArt  has been officially recognized as the standard-bearer for the  "Neonaturalism" movement.  Responding to a question from an ArmInfo  correspondent, Gyulumyan noted that the theater's foundation was laid  during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when mass gatherings in indoor  spaces were prohibited.  During this period, Gyulumyan created a  small production and decided to stage it in a village, specifically  in the courtyard of a private home.

According to the producer, HandArt now boasts a repertoire of eight  plays. In the last six months alone, the theater has welcomed 55,000  spectators—a figure 30% higher than the annual attendance of  Armenia's largest state theater. Looking ahead, the company plans to  construct an indoor venue on the same site.  A hallmark of the  theater is its commitment to performing works exclusively by Armenian  authors, both classical and contemporary. "In other words, our  theater is solely about Armenians," noted Gyulumyan.  In the premiere  production of "Our Red-Green House," for which the press tour was  organized, Gyulumyan served as both screenwriter and producer, while  also performing a supporting role.

The play itself presents a collective portrait of a modern Armenian  family navigating its own challenges and struggles. It is, in many  ways, a tragicomedy where the noblest feelings and best intentions  become the very source of the difficult trials the family must  endure.

Note: The HandArt Theater is located in the village of Byurakan,  Aragatsotn region.