YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. 40 performing groups of 33 countries of the world will perform on 14 Yerevan theatrical stages during the Highfest 5th International Performing Arts Festival to be held on October 4-14. 17 theaters will take part in this already traditional performing arts festival. Artur Ghukasian, festival's Chairman, reported at the September 25 press conference that renowned artists, chairmen of international festivals, theater critics will be present at the festival. On the spot they will hold seminars and round tables dedicated to cultural policy and art management in Armenia. According to A. Ghukasian, the festival will give Armenian spectators the possibility to watch various countries' performances of pantomime, dramatic, puppet performances, as well as the best performances 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. The Highfest's Chairman said that the 2006 Yerevan Highfest has extended its activity, becoming a festival of performing arts, the main goal of which is to present world culture in Armenia. Artur Ghukasian also said that the second stage of New Drama series of seminars will be held within the framework of Highfest-2007 with the assistance of the Soros Foundation. The head of the festival also mentioned that this year the RA Ministry of Culture has provided 39m drams for festival's organization.

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