YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. The Highfest 5th international performing arts festival started on October 4 in Yerevan with the performance "The Canterville Ghost" of the Lucia Armenian company of actors. Its opening was followed by a theatrical parade and fireworks in Charles Aznavour Square. According to Artur Ghukasian, the festival's Chairman, nearly 100 performances will be presented by 33 countries' companies of actors in the days of the festival being held on October 4-14. 17 theaters will take part in this already traditional theater festival. The companies of actors will perform on all Yerevan stages and open squares. "Five years ago the festival was founded as a theatrical one, but later it became a festival of performing arts. We tried to expand the festival's framework by involving new and interesting works created in other spheres of art, which are also a theater by their form," the festival's Chairman said. Artur Ghukasian said that renowned artists, international festivals' chairmen, theater critics will take part in the Yerevan festival. They will hold seminars and round tables on the spot dedicated to cultural policy and art management in Armenia. According to A. Ghukasian, the festival will give Armenian spectators an opportunity to watch different countries' best performances of pantomime, dramatic, puppet performances, as well as those of modern dance theaters. It was mentioned that a Festival of Puppet and Children's Theaters will be also organized within the framework of Highfest. Mike Ribalta, the Chairman of the Fira Tarrega Spanish theatrical festival, said that he is glad to take part in this young festival and expects not only to see interesting performances, but also to learn. Mike Ribalta, who has arrived in Armenia on a three-day visit, will try to help young and talented actors and interesting companies of actors. "I have not only come to watch good, bad or average performances, but I wish to help young people to make an attempt to perform abroad as well."

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