Intimate celebration of a life lived in full
By KELLY APTER for The Scotsman

Arousiak Torosian led a perilous life. Born in late 19th century Turkey, she fled from one trouble-spot to another: Jerusalem, Cyprus, Beirut. Losing four sisters along the way, she finally settled in London in 1976, 12 years before her death. But Torosian left behind a legacy: a rich cultural history, copious anecdotes and - crucially - a granddaughter, Ani Tchakmakdjian. Last seen in the sensuous solo Metchen, Tchakmakdjian has branched out, enlisting a video artist, composer, writer and several dancers to help celebrate the life of her late grandmother. The result is Medsmama, an intimate piece of dance theatre two years in the making, painstakingly researched and developed by its many collaborators.

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Medsmama
By Ellie Carr in The Sunday Herald

Meanwhile in Medsmama, a production with plenty of passion -- as well as pain, regret, human tragedy -- Elbow Room Dance Company give a very personal insight into the plight of displaced peoples.

Two years in the making, and as lavishly embroidered with detail as a traditional Armenian rug -- Medsmama (Armenian for grandmother) is a touching evocation of the relationship between choreo grapher/dancer Ani Tchakmakdjian and her gran, Arousiak Chakmakjian (played by ex-dancer Ruth Posner).

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