Writings on Music, Theater, Literature, and more by Armine Gulyan

Theatrical Performance Reviews

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LA Opera’s Akhnaten: An Operatic Excavation by Philip Glass
LA Opera’s Akhnaten: An Operatic Excavation by Philip Glass

Though minimalist in execution, Philip Glass’ Akhnaten tastefully combines strong visual storytelling and gripping instrumentation in its efforts to raise a forgotten figure from the dead.

Pasadena Playhouse’s “Amadeus” Pits Salieri Against His True Enemy, Oblivion
Pasadena Playhouse’s “Amadeus” Pits Salieri Against His True Enemy, Oblivion

Through lavish stage design and gripping performances, the Pasadena Playhouse has effectively breathed another life into Amadeus for a new generation.

LA Opera's "La Bohéme" is a Portrait of Desperation and Hope
LA Opera's "La Bohéme" is a Portrait of Desperation and Hope

The LA Opera began their opera season with a brand new production of Puccini's beloved opera "La Bohéme" with a brilliant cast, luscious music, and unique production.

LA Opera's "Eurydice" | A Refreshing Take on the Classical Myth
LA Opera's "Eurydice" | A Refreshing Take on the Classical Myth

The LA Opera presents a fresh take on a classic Greek myth with the brand new opera "Eurydice".

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Literature and Pop Culture Analysis

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The Poetics of Power in Shakespeare’s “King Lear”
The Poetics of Power in Shakespeare’s “King Lear”

With King Lear, Shakespeare examines the ways in which humankind has manipulated its own stories in order to create arbitrary hierarchies that have no basis in nature; however, he is also coming to terms with the art of writing and theater by pondering how one can reconcile mankind’s rule over nature through a medium that exerts its own rule through its aim to represent it.

Museums and their Publics: Reconciling a History of Exclusion
Museums and their Publics: Reconciling a History of Exclusion

An important factor in the success of museums today is its relevance—or lack thereof—to the “public.” With the rise of the museum has come the rise of the notion of democratic institutions, spaces that are both by and for the people, spaces that allow them to confront, debate and experiment with the world.

The Epic and Sublime: Modern Receptions of Pompeii
The Epic and Sublime: Modern Receptions of Pompeii

Modern portrayals of Pompeii go beyond that of the epic myth and turn into the sublime, combining the right amount of terror to transfix its audience with an added element of distance to turn it into aesthetic fascination.

The Violence of Heteronormativity in Djuna Barnes’ "Nightwood"
The Violence of Heteronormativity in Djuna Barnes’ "Nightwood"

Illustrating how Barnes shows heteronormativity as it aims to possess and stifle queerness, and can play out through a queer subject such as Nora.

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About Me

Welcome to my page! I’m Armine Gulyan, a writer based in Los Angeles, CA. I write about the subjects that interest me.

My experience begins with the opera. I trained in classical voice and began my studies in college under a Music degree with a focus on Opera. After a few years of study, I realized that my love for opera and music was not the same as that of a performer. I changed my major to English and honed my writing and analysis skills, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English from UCLA.

I have amassed a great love not just for opera but for all classical music, live theater, film, and the arts. What inspires me the most is what humanity continues to achieve in expression through the arts. I hope to play my own part in spreading my appreciation for these achievements through my writing.

You may find my writing in Flaunt Magazine.