‘Saroyan Days’: Weeklong Celebration in Armenia to Spotlight Author’s Work
The William Saroyan Foundation will present “Saroyan Days,” a weeklong celebration showcasing rare works and fresh perspectives on the life and influence of acclaimed Armenian-American author William Saroyan. The celebration will be held from September 5 to 11 in Yerevan, Armenia.
Presented in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Yerevan and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, the program will unveil 22 previously unpublished stories and 100 never-before-seen paintings from Saroyan’s archives—marking the largest release of new Saroyan material in more than two decades. Events will include art exhibitions, theatrical performances, film screenings, literary discussions, and a showcase of emerging Armenian creatives.
In a video on posted on the Embassy’s social media, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien said, “Today, on the great Armenian-American writer William Saroyan’s birthday, I’m excited to officially kick off Saroyan Days — a week of cultural events celebrating his life and legacy. Let’s celebrate the spirit of William Saroyan together. We look forward to seeing you at Saroyan Days!”
“We are delighted to bring this remarkable new material to Armenia,” said Scott Setrakian, President of the William Saroyan Foundation. “Alongside these rare works, we’re creating programs that invite a new generation to engage with Saroyan’s defiant optimism and timeless vision.”
The event schedule is as follows:
September 5:
- Art Exhibition Opening – “Saroyan: The Colors Behind the Words,” featuring 100 never-before-seen paintings (from 11 a.m., Museum of Literature and Art – Public, tickets at the door)
- Theater and Film Night (5 p.m., Yerevan Institute of Theater and Cinematography – Public, free)
September 6:
- Book Launch – “22 Unpublished Stories by William Saroyan,” compiled by Scott Setrakian and published in Armenian by Antares Press. Co-hosted by the Yerevan International Book Festival, Stanford University, the Ministry of Culture and the Saroyan Foundation (5 p.m., National Gallery of Armenia – Public, free)
September 7:
- “William Saroyan Prize for Short Fiction” will be awarded during the Yerevan Book Festival closing ceremony. Hosted by the Yerevan International Book Festival and the Ministry of Culture (7 p.m., Hakob Paronyan State Theater of Musical Comedy – Public, free)
September 8:
- William Saroyan at the National Library exploring Saroyan’s cultural impact and Armenian-language publications (2 p.m., National Library of Armenia – Public, free)
- Stage Performance – Train Stories, a dramatic adaptation by the Malyan Theatre, co-hosted by U.S. Embassy Yerevan and Saroyan Foundation (7 p.m. – tickets at the door)
September 9:
- “William Saroyan: An Evening of Readings” – Readings and discussion of newly discovered works. Hosted by the American University of Armenia (5 p.m., AUA, Akian Gallery – Public, free)
September 10:
- Young Artists’ Showcase – Celebrating Saroyan’s influence on a new generation of Armenian artists in literature, theater, film, and visual art hosted by Creative Armenia and AGBU (6:30 p.m., AGBU Headquarters – Public, free)
September–November:
- Saroyan Art Contest for Kids – Organized by COAF in partnership with the Charents Museum and managed from the COAF SMART Center in Lori. Open to youth aged 11–15 across Armenia, with winners announced in November.
