A performance inspired by the Anglo-Armenian origins of the Altouynans, models of the Walkers in Arthur Ransome’s “Swallows and Amazons”, will be on stage in Keswick this Sunday (17th February) at 4pm.

Performed by Young Company, Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake youth group, “Swallows and Armenians” was inspired by a book of short stories by Cumbria-based artist Karen Babayan, and is co-directed by her daughter, London-based actor and musician Persia Babayan-Taylor, and Heidi Stafford, with support from Sandra Gattward.

Young actors from Young Company with (at the back starting L-R) Director Persia Babayan-Taylor, co-Director Heidi Stafford, assistant Sandra Gattward and artist Karen Babayan. Credit: Cumbria Crack.

Inspiration

Karen Babayan, who herself left Iran as a teenager just before the Islamic Revolution 40 years ago, said of the project: 

“What is not widely enough known is the part that Altounyan family played as the catalyst for the “Swallows and Amazons” series of books which are such an integral part of Lake District mythology. I want the contribution of the Altounyan family to be more widely acknowledged and celebrated, bringing positive awareness of different cultures in the area. In knowing the identity and ethnicity of the children, I believe young British readers of all cultural backgrounds would feel more connected to and excited by the works of Arthur Ransome and the timeless landscape of the Lake District.”

She has also praised the Young Company actors, saying:

“The children were familiar with the classic children’s book by Arthur Ransome but were fascinated to discover the story of the real family of Anglo Armenian children that inspired it. In the course of only six sessions, they have familiarised themselves with Armenian and Syrian foods, learnt Turkish nursery rhymes and explored their own imaginary adventures and islands. We have discussed the war in Syria and what it might feel like to be displaced and have to leave your home to escape war. They have embraced everything we have thrown at them, working imaginatively to produce a performance that I am very proud to have been involved in.” 

Exhibition

The performance will also be filmed and be part of an exhibition at Theatre by the Lake from 6th March until 10th April, The exhibition will explore the Altounyans in the context of Karen Babayan’s own family history, using film, artists’ books, photography, painting, prints and objects. A selection of family portraits by Dora Altounyan will also go on public show for the first time, including an iconic portrait of Titty Walker as a child, which was in Arthur Ransome’s possession for many years.

Performance time and tickets

The performance of “Swallows and Armenians” takes place in the Theatre by the Lake Studio this Sunday (17th February) at 4pm, and runs for approximately 40 minutes.

A very limited number of tickets are available directly from the theatre box office (call 017687 74411), and cost £5.