Lanterns of Silence Play Staged in Armenia
On 2 June, a theatrical performance Lanterns of Silence was staged in Yerevan, initiated by relatives of missing persons and supported by the ICRC Delegation in Armenia. The idea was to visualize and highlight the ongoing struggles faced by families of the missing.
“I wish every painful day we’ve been living through were nothing more than a stage performance with all its grief, tears, and heartache, ending with applause and warm embraces,” said Armine Nersisyan, mother of a missing person.
Written and directed by a professional screenwriter specifically for this event and performed by Armenian actors, the play brought to life on stage the often-overlooked emotions of families whose loved ones had gone missing during the 2020-2023 Karabakh conflict escalations. The event fostered empathy and raised public awareness about the enduring pain caused by disappearance.
“This performance is not merely an artistic piece. It is a reflection of the deep emotional reality that families of missing persons continue to live through every day. It is an acknowledgement and tribute to their strength and resilience, dignity, and unwavering hope, in the face of silence and uncertainty,” said Daphnée Maret, Head of Delegation, in her remarks.
The performance was inspired by real life stories and emotions shared by families of the missing from Kotayk and Ararat regions with the ICRC and the screenwriter. Their words shaped the script, giving the play a deeply personal character.
“We were truly impressed by the powerful staging. Although the pain and the anxiety of waiting are part of our everyday lives, through the talent of the actors, we saw ourselves from the outside, and it stirred deep and powerful emotions. They managed to portray our pain, suffering, uncertain hopes, and the deep disappointment of endlessly waiting for news that never comes,” said Asya Danielyan, mother of a missing person.
The play sought to shed light on the hardships faced by families of the missing, pain too often overlooked at every level, and to call for greater recognition and support.
“As artists, we are always ready to devote our art to any subject. When pain, need, or longing arise, we find the strength to create, to connect with both joy and sorrow, to immerse ourselves in and share the grief. Yet this story carries a very special and unique weight,” said playwright Robert Arakelyan.
By bringing these experiences to the stage, Lanterns of Silence honored the suffering of families while celebrating their resilience and dignity. Around 80 family members attended the performance, including relatives of those who had gone missing at the beginning of the conflict in the 1990s. They were joined by representatives of local municipalities, central authorities in Yerevan, members of the diplomatic and international community, as well as local media.
The ICRC has been working with families of missing persons in Armenia and around the world for decades. It continues to advocate for the families’ right to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones and remains committed to supporting them, as they navigate the painful consequences of disappearance – be it emotional, legal, administrative, health related or socio-economic challenges - in cooperation with relevant authorities both at community and at central level.
We warmly invite you to experience Silent Lanterns in full by the YouTube link below.
