TOWER -- The Tower District News Editors vigorously support The William Saroyan Festival. We appreciate your visit and welcomed returns to this and the many hundreds of pages and archives. Here are many interesting and historically significant performances, progrmas, discussions, and exhibits planned for the 2002 Festival Agenda.

Thursday, February 28, 2002
Theater Production of
My Heart’s in the Highlands
Good Company Players,
2nd Space Theater
928 East Olive Avenue, Fresno
8:00 PM

Opening night for the Good Company Players’ production of My Heart’s in the Highlands, one of William Saroyan’s earliest plays (1939) and his first play to make it to Broadway. This lyrical play is set in the Fresno of 1917. It is an ode to the magic found in the simple things in life and full of the wonderful characters for which Saroyan was so famous. This play is vintage Saroyan at his best. Performances will be repeated on Thursday at 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. This production will continue to run according to this schedule through April 21. Prices range from $12 - $14. For tickets and information call (559) 266-9494.

Friday, March 1, 2002
Festive Art Preview Opening of Saroyan on Paper: Drawings, Watercolors and Words Fresno Art Museum 2233 North First Street 6:00 PM Be among the first to view William Saroyan’s paintings and sketches. An accomplished visual artist Saroyan neither sold nor exhibited his work during his lifetime. This exhibition will be an opportunity to examine another facet of Saroyan’s artistic nature. This festive evening will also include dinner, music and the premier Fresno opening of Todd Wronski’s one- man theater production An Audience with William Saroyan. The evening will be attended by Festival Sponsors and honorary guests, including Saroyan’s family. Tickets are $100 per person. Reservations are required. For reservation information call (559) 441-4221.

Televised Broadcast of William Saroyan’s The Human Comedy
KVPT-TV, Channel 18 9:00 PM The Human Comedy is an Academy Award winning film starring Mickey Rooney. This is the first in a series of five television broadcasts based on Saroyan’s work.

Saturday, March 2, 2002
Symposium on Saroyan: Collections and RecollectionsFresno Convention Center, William Saroyan Theater, lower lobby 700 ‘M’ Street 9:30 AM
Sponsored by Stanford University Libraries, this symposium brings together a prestigious panel to discuss and exchange thoughts regarding Saroyan’s life and work. Dr. Kevin Starr, California State Librarian, will serve as the moderator. Panel participants will include Michael Keller, Head Librarian at Stanford University; Aram Kevorkian (attending from Paris, France), personal friend and attorney for William Saroyan; William McPheron, Stanford Curator of the Saroyan Collection; John Kallenberg, Fresno County Librarian; and Dr. Alice Kelikian, Professor of History at Brandeis University. Admission is free. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information call (559) 259- 9999.
WSF 2002 Events as of

2/19/2002
Exhibition: Saroyan on Paper: Drawings, Watercolors and Words Fresno Art Museum, Fresno Historical Society 2233 North First Street Tuesday through Friday 10:00 AM -5:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 PM
This exhibition of William Saroyan’s art is organized by date and consists of ninety-five examples of drawings and watercolors drawn from the Saroyan Foundation’s collection, now housed at Stanford University. Saroyan often gave these works on paper inventive titles and always marked them with the
date (and sometimes time) and place of execution. Each work is invested with Saroyan’s uninhibited creativity that is free from the restraints of traditional art training but exhibits Saroyan’s awareness of the current trends in the art of his time. The Fresno Art Museum and the Fresno City and Country Historical Society have joined forces in an effort to present William Saroyan’s art work paired with journals, notebooks, manuscripts, and Saroyan’s essays and thoughts on art. A Reception will be held on Thursday, March 7, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. For more information call (559) 441-4221.

Fresno Metropolitan Museum
1515 Van Ness Avenue Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This museum is home to a permanent gallery dedicated to William Saroyan. It features artifacts and memorabilia chronicling his life and works. For information call (559) 441-1444.

Armenian Luncheon
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
2226 Ventura Avenue (across from the Convention Center)
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
The church auxiliary will prepare traditional Armenian foods including lule kabobs, rice pilaf, and beoregs. During lunch, entertainment will be provided by the Arax Dancers dressed in traditional Armenian costumes. Surroundings will be historic, as this 100 year-old church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tickets are $10.00 and will be sold at the door. For group reservations, please call (559) 221-8052.

Walking Tour of Saroyan’s Neighborhood
Fresno Convention Center, William Saroyan Theater
700 ‘M’ Street
1:00 PM
The Fresno Saroyan Society will guide the tour through the neighborhood where Saroyan grew up. At that time, the area was called Armenian Town. Along the way, walkers will reminisce and share stories about the area. Admission is free. For more information call (559) 221-1441 or log onto the Saroyan Society website at www.williamsaroyansociety.org.

Gallery Exhibition Opening Gallery Exhibition Opening
Fig Tree Gallery Gallery 25
1523 Fulton Street 1526 Fulton Street
Saturday & Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 PM Saturday & Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
These two artist cooperatives, located next door to each other, will mount exhibitions of their members’ works done based on the life or work of William Saroyan. Each gallery will host a reception on Sunday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Both exhibits will remain open until March 31, 2002. Both galleries
will remain open until 8:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month. For Fig Tree Gallery information call 275-3692. For Gallery 25 information call 227-9359.

2/19/2002
Exhibit: William Saroyan’s Personal Photos
Spectrum Gallery
1306 N. Wishon
Fri. 5:00 - 8:00 PM; Sat. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sun. 11:00 AM - 4:00
The exhibit will consist of photos from William Saroyan’s personal collection on loan from the Saroyan Archives of the Stanford University Libraries. A reception will be held on Saturday from 2:00 - 6:00 PM. From 2:00 - 3:00 PM there will also be a reading by local Armenian poets from their book
Armenian Town. This exhibit is sponsored by the Saroyan Society and the Fresno Arts Council. Admission is free. For more information call (559) 266-0691 or log on to their website at www.spectrumphotogallery.org.

Theater Performance: An Audience with William Saroyan

Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 North First Street
3:00 PM
Todd Wronski will portray Saroyan in this one-man production. His performance is compiled from hundreds of selections drawn from Saroyan’s prolific output of public and private writings. Tickets are $8.00 general admission and $5.00 for students. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. For information call (559) 441-4221.

Reception for Winners of Saroyan Art Contest
Fresno Art Museum, ChildSpace Gallery
2233 North First Street
4:00 PM
Winners of the Saroyan Art Contest conducted throughout Valley Schools for K-12 will be honored at a reception where their work will be displayed.
Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra’s Concert My Name is Aram Fresno Convention Center, William Saroyan Theater
700 ‘M’ Street
7:00 PM Pre-concert Talk by Conductor Grant Gershon
8:00 PM Concert
The concert begins with an introduction about William Saroyan by Dr. Kevin Starr, California State Librarian, and Jonathan White’s dramatic reading of Saroyan’s description of Khatchaturian’s Symphony no. 2 from his short story, Aram Khatchaturian, A Story. Saroyan wrote elsewhere that, for
several years, he began each morning listening to Grieg’s piano concerto, which the captivating young Russian pianist, Alexander Korsantia will bring to life. The program is balanced by Haydn’s “London” symphony, and concludes with Sibelius’ Finlandia, of which Saroyan wrote, “it seemed to say something to me that was less nationalistic than private—it was music in fact that seemed to be about me and my particular quarrel with the world.” Ticket prices range from $20 to $45. For tickets call (559)
261-0611.

Sunday, March 3, 2002
Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra’s Concert My Name is Aram
Fresno Convention Center, William Saroyan Theater
700 ‘M’ Street
1:30 PM Pre-concert Talk by Conductor Grant Gershon
2:30 PM Concert
This program will be a second performance of the Saturday evening concert.
WSF 2002 Events as of 2/19/2002

Monday, March 4, 2002
Photography Exhibit: Saroyan at the Water Tower
Water Tower Visitors Center
2430 Fresno Street
Monday through Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Photographs taken by award-winning photographer Paul Kalinian will be displayed through April 30, 2002.

Tuesday, March 5, 2002
Display of Saroyan Memorabilia
Fresno County Free Library, Central Branch
2420 Mariposa
The library will provide two large display cases containing memorabilia from the library’s extensive William Saroyan Collection. The cases will feature letters, posters, books, manuscripts, etc. The exhibit will be on display through April 30.

Saroyan Display
Fresno Yosemite International Airport
5175 East Clinton Way
An assorted group of William Saroyan‘s works will greet visitors as they arrive at the airport. The display will continue through April 30, 2002.

1. Wednesday, March 6, 2002
   Radio Broadcast
   Valley Public Radio FM 89.3 in Fresno and FM 89.1 in Bakersfield
   7:00 - 7:30 PM
   Each Wednesday evening throughout the months of March and April, Valley Public Radio will air a half- hour broadcast on the life of William Saroyan. These segments have been recorded by a noted group of people from throughout the country such as Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; Carol Matthau; James McClatchey; retired Postmaster General, Anthony Frank, who issued the Saroyan postage stamp; and Bill Press of CNN’s Crossfire, as well as other individuals from around the world. These programs will also include interviews and music associated with Saroyan.
   
2. Thursday, March 14, 2002
   Conversation: The Author as a Visual Artist
   Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
   2233 North First Street
   12:00 noon
   This conversation will be held in conjunction with the exhibition Saroyan on Paper: Drawings, Watercolors and Words. The conversation will be facilitated by Jacquelin Pilar, Associate Curator at the Fresno Art Museum.
   Reader’s Theatre (Performance Study)
   Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
   2233 North First Street
   8:00 PM
   From a performative perspective, this theatrical event will explore material surrounding the identity, ethos, and creative body of work of William Saroyan as an artist. The cast will consist of voices from

2/19/2002
The Fresno Pacific University Community. This event is presented by the Fresno Pacific University
Theater Department. Admission is free. For more information call (559) 453-2296.
Friday, March 15, 2002
Reader’s Theatre (Performance Study)
Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 North First Street
8:00 PM
A repeat performance of the Reader’s Theatre on March 14.
Saturday, March 16, 2002
Reader’s Theatre (Performance Study)
Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 North First Street
8:00 PM
A repeat performance of the Reader’s Theatre on March 14.

Thursday, March 21, 2002
Lecture: The Origin of Oriental Carpets
Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church
3673 North First Street
3:00 - 5:00 PM
In honor of William Saroyan’s love for oriental carpets, Hovig Mahserejian will present a lecture discussing several topics including the art and history of oriental carpets, the designs and motifs of carpet weaving, and the symbolism behind the motifs of the Oriental-Armenian Carpets. Admission is free. Carpets will be on display and available for purchase through Sunday, March 24. For more information call (559) 229-7866.
Lecture: Saroyan and the Americas of the 30’s
Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 N. First
7:30 PM
Dr. James Russell, professor of Armenian Studies at Harvard University, will discuss Saroyan’s early years within the larger context of American history in the 1930’s. A reception will follow. This event is sponsored by the Armenian-American Citizens’ League. Admission is free. For more information call
(559) 224-3561.

Friday, March 22, 2002
Lecture: Oriental Carpets as Decor
Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church
3673 North First Street
10:00 AM -11:30 AM; 2:30 PM -4:00 PM
Hovig Mahserejian will present a lecture focusing on the interior design aspects of oriental carpet including architectural designs, styles, patterns, shapes and colors. He will also discuss how to use the oriental carpet to enrich the décor of modern homes. Admission is free. Carpets will be on display and
available for purchase through Sunday, March 24. For more information call (559) 229-7866.

Saturday, March 23, 2002
Fresno Choral Artists: A Salute to Saroyan
WSF 2002 Events as of 2/19/2002
First Armenian Presbyterian Church
430 South First Street
7:30 PM
This program will feature Armenian choral music, including folk, ancient, and contemporary sacred. Fresno Choral Artists will also perform a vocal solo written by William Saroyan, as well as Britten’s Hymn to St. Cecilia and Bach’s motet Labet den Herrn.. Tickets are $12 or $15. For tickets or more
information call (559) 432-6330 or log on to their website at www.Fresno-Choral-Artists.org.

Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Noontime Lecture: Personal Remembrances of William Saroyan
Fresno Metropolitan Museum
1515 Van Ness Avenue
12:00 noon
Rutherford “Bud” Gaston, retired FUSD principal, recalls his personal visits and his memories of William Saroyan. Admission is free. For more information call (559) 441-1444.

Thursday, March 28, 2002
Conversation: Saroyan’s Journals and Diaries
Fresno Art Museum
2233 North First Street
12:00 Noon
This conversation will be held in conjunction with the exhibition Saroyan on Paper: Drawings,
Watercolors and Words. It will be led by Sharon Hiigel, Curator and Maria Ortiz, Archivist/Librarian of
the Fresno City and County Historical Society.

Friday, March 29, 2002
Televised Broadcast of William Saroyan’s The Time of Your Life
KVPT-TV, Channel 18
9:00 PM
Saroyan’s movie The Time of Your Life, starring James Cagney will be broadcast.

Sunday, March 31, 2002
Radio Broadcast Great Saroyan Reading
KFCF 88.1 FM
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
This radio broadcast, sponsored by the Fresno Saroyan Society, will focus on the life of William Saroyan and will include Armenian music, phone-ins and guests discussing Armenian life in Fresno, as well as Saroyan readings by prominent Fresnans. For more information call (559) 960-5337.

Monday April 1, 2002
Henry Madden Library, solarium
California State University, Fresno
The library will display selections from their collection of William Saroyan’s books. The exhibit will run through the end of April. The library will also host a lecture by Dr. Isabel Kaprielian during the course of the exhibit. See April 19.

Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Reading and Discussion Group
Fig Garden Regional Library
3071 W. Bullard
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, from the CSUF Armenian Studies Program, will lead a discussion of William
Saroyan’s book The Human Comedy. It is the first reading and discussion group in a series of four.
This event is co-sponsored by the California Council for the Humanities. Registration is required.
Number of participants is limited. Call (559) 488-3856 to register.

Friday, April 5, 2002
Performance Art: Raisin Debt and Fresno Stories
Fresno City College, Black Box Theater
1101 E. University
8:00 PM
Artist and former Fresnan, Charles Garoian will do a performance piece that combines memories of his own Armenian heritage with similar experiences recorded in Saroyan’s works. Garoian’s development as an artist was influenced by William Saroyan and the ways in which Saroyan assigned mythic proportions to everyday occurrences. The fact that Saroyan’s stories originated in Fresno and that his ethnic origin was Armenian, naturally influenced Garoian’s interest and curiosity in the use of personal narrative. Tickets are $8.00 for general admission, $5.00 for students. Seating is on a first-come, firstserve
basis. For more information call (559) 442-8281.

12th Annual William Saroyan Writer’s Conference
Piccadilly Inn Airport
5115 E. McKinley
12:00 noon - 9:00 PM
This three-day, nationally acclaimed writer’s conference is presented by WIN-WIN (Writer’s
International Network) in association with Publisher’s Weekly, for published and unpublished writers.
The registration fee is $195 for three days. For reservations and more information call (559) 224-2516
or log on to their website at www.homestead.com/winwinorg.
Televised Broadcast of Two by Saroyan
KVPT-TV, Channel 18
9:00 PM
Two by Saroyan, a movie starring Walter Matthau and Orson Bean, will be broadcast.
Saturday, April 6, 2002
Performance Art: Raisin Debt and Fresno Stories
Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 North First Street
2:00 PM
This event is a repeat performance of the show on Friday, April 5.
12th Annual William Saroyan Writer’s Conference
Piccadilly Inn Airport
5115 E. McKinley
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Day two of the writer’s conference.

Sunday, April 7, 2002
12th Annual William Saroyan Writer’s Conference
Piccadilly Inn Airport
5115 E. McKinley
8:00 AM - 12:00 noon
Day three of the writer’s conference.

Monday, April 8, 2002
Art Exhibit: Saroyan and Saroyan
Fresno City Hall
2600 Fresno Street
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
This art exhibit, sponsored by the Fresno Arts Council, will feature artwork by William Saroyan and his daughter- in- law Gailyn Saroyan. The exhibit will be on display during regular business hours and on the first Thursday of each month until 8:00 PM for Art Hop through May 2. For more information call
237-9815.

Tuesday, April 9, 2002
Reading and Discussion Group
Fig Garden Regional Library
3071 W. Bullard
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, from the CSUF Armenian Studies Program, will lead a discussion of William Saroyan’s book My Name is Aram. It is the second reading and discussion group in a series of four. This event is co-sponsored by the California Council for the Humanities. Registration is required. Number
of participants is limited. Call (559) 488-3856 to register.

Friday, April 12, 2002
Televised Broadcasts of Saroyan’s The Time of Your Life and The Parsley Garden
KVPT-TV, Channel 18
9:00 PM
The Time of Your Life stars Kevin Kline and The Parsley Garden is produced by Saroyan’s nephew, Hank Saroyan.

Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Lecture: Poetry and Percussion
Satellite Student Union
California State University, Fresno
7:30 PM
As part of the University Lecture Series, Aram Saroyan, William Saroyan’s son, and John Densmore (former drummer for The Doors) will present a program entitled Poetry and Percussion. Advanced tickets are $8 general admission and $5 for students. Tickets at the door will be $10 general admission and $5 for students. For more information call (559) 278-4680.

Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Staged Reading: The Evening Hour
Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 North First Street
7:30 PM
The Department of Theater Arts at CSUF will present a staged reading of the new play written by Aram
Saroyan, William Saroyan’s son, entitled The Evening Hour. Two CSUF students will portray Aram and Lucy Saroyan, and Fresno attorney Ed Marouk will play William Saroyan. Admission is free. For
more information call (559) 278-2465.

Thursday, April 18, 2002
Staged Reading: The Evening Hour
Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 North First Street
7:30 PM
Repeat performance of the staged reading on Wednesday, April 17.

Friday, April 19, 2002
Lecture: William Saroyan: Immigration as it Relates to Protestantism
Henry Madden Library, solarium
California State University, Fresno
Reception 6:00 PM
Lecture 6:30 PM
Immigration expert, Dr. Isabel Kaprielian, will present a lecture focusing on the Armenian immigrant experience. Admission is free. For more information call (559) 278-2403.

Documentary Film: William Saroyan: The Man, The Writer
Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 North First Street
7:30 PM
A showing of Paul Kalinian’s award-winning documentary film William Saroyan: The Man, The Writer is sponsored by the Fresno County Free Library. The film will be followed by refreshments. Limited edition framed photographs of William Saroyan, taken by filmmaker Paul Kalinian, will be offered at
the event. For more information call (559) 488-3195.

Sunday, April 21, 2002
Documentary Film: William Saroyan: The Man, The Writer
Fresno Art Museum, Bonner Auditorium
2233 North First Street
2:30 PM
A second showing of the film.

Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Reading and Discussion Group
Fig Garden Regional Library
3071 W. Bullard
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, from the CSUF Armenian Studies Program, will lead a discussion of William Saroyan’s book Fresno Stories. It is the third reading and discussion group in a series of four. This event is co-sponsored by the California Council for the Humanities. Registration is required. Number
of participants is limited. Call (559) 488-3856 to register.

Friday, April 26, 2002
Saroyan Merchant’s Lunch
Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church
3673 North First Street
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Guests are in for a treat when they gather for a traditional Armenian lunch of lule kabob, cheese beoregs, yalanchi, pilaf, and salad. This lunch is under the direction of the Men’s Forum, and the Country Store will be open under the direction of Dorcas Guild. Cost is $10.00.

Saturday, April 27, 2002
Walking Tour of Saroyan’s Neighborhood
Fresno Convention Center, William Saroyan Theater
700 ‘M’ Street
9:15 AM
The walking tour of Saturday, March 2, will be repeated. The Fresno Saroyan Society will guide the tour
through the neighborhood where Saroyan grew up. At that time, the area was called Armenian Town.
Along the way, walkers will reminisce and share stories about the area. Admission is free. For more
information call (559) 221-1441 or log onto the Saroyan Society website at
www.williamsaroyansociety.org.
Saroyan Open House at Riverview Ranch
Riverview Ranch, located on Old Friant Road
12:00 Noon Bike ride
1:00 PM Open House at Riverview Ranch
Enjoy exhibits, entertainment and readings interpreting the life and work of William Saroyan. Delicious
Mediterranean food will be available for purchase. In his famous book The Human Comedy, Saroyan
refers to a fig tree at Riverview Ranch. A six- mile bike ride will begin at noon at Riverview Ranch and
will feature guided interpretations of Saroyan’s writings. This event is sponsored by the San Joaquin
River Parkway. The cost for each is event is $5 per person. Reservations are required. For reservations
call (559) 248-8480.

Tuesday, April 30, 2002
Reading and Discussion Group
Fig Garden Regional Library
3071 W. Bullard

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, from the CSUF Armenian Studies Program, will lead a discussion of William Saroyan’s book Armenian Trilogy. It is the final reading and discussion group in a series of four. This event is co-sponsored by the California Council for the Humanities. Registration is required. Number
of participants is limited. Call (559) 488-3856 to register.

Saturday, May 4, 2002
Saroyan Youth Concert
St. Therese Catholic Church
7:00 PM
The Central California Children’s Choir will celebrate the arrival of spring and the development of young artists in this Spring Concert dedicated to the artistry of William Saroyan. All four of the choirs will perform both separately and together. Admission is free. Donations are welcome. For more
information call (559) 221-7992.
Sunday, May 5, 2002
Saroyan Youth Concert
St. Therese Catholic Church

3:00 PM
A repeat performance of Saturday evening’s concert.
Saroyan Continues
Monday, May 13, 2002
Concert by the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia
Tower Theater The conductor will be Aram Gharbegian

Friday, July 19, 2002
Dramatic Reading of Saroyan’s Works by
the Steppenwolf Theater Company of Chicago
John Wright Theatre, California State University, Fresno
8:00 PM
For tickets please call the Summer Arts Box Office after June 17 at (559) 278-5109.
Date to be announced
Exhibition: Saroyan on Paper: Drawings, Watercolors and Words
Merced Cultural Center

 

Letter to the Editor