A Little Prince, a Big Stage: MIASIN’s Journey with FAR
Updated: 6 days ago
“People have forgotten this truth,” the Little Prince reminds us, “but you mustn’t forget it.”
On stage, that simple idea takes on a new meaning as ten-year-old Michael steps into the role of the Little Prince. Beside him are Edward as the Lamb, Ares as the Geographer, and their friends, each bringing a familiar story to life in their own way.
For the children of MIASIN (“Together”), an inclusive theater group led by director and drama therapist Marine Asatryan, The Little Prince is more than a play. It is an opportunity to perform, create, make friends, and experience what it means to connect with an audience.
The group recently brought the production to the small stage of the Sundukyan National Academic Theatre—a significant milestone for a theater group that began in a small drama therapy rehearsal room.
“Leaving the small drama therapy room and reaching a big stage already says a lot,” says Marine. “It means our actors have overcome many difficulties, grown creatively, and gained new experiences.”
MIASIN has been performing in schools across Armenia’s regions and has participated in the Side by Side Inclusive Music and Arts Festival. Each new venue gives the children an opportunity to experience theater in a different environment and connect with new audiences.
“It is difficult, but it is important,” Marine says. “When the environment changes, children learn to come closer to the audience, feel the audience’s presence, stay inside the magic of the story, and even invite the audience into that story.”
For MIASIN, an inclusive theater group operating within the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center, rehearsals are not only about preparing for a performance. The children take part in theater exercises, music, drawing, and creative activities that help them develop communication and self-expression.
Edward, 10, who plays the Lamb, especially enjoys the creative side of the process.
“We rehearse, draw, and make things from clay,” he says. “My friends are Martin, Vardan, Ares, and Michael. Marine is a good and kind director. She helps us. I’m a little like the Lamb—kind and well-behaved.”
Nine-year-old Ares plays the Geographer. For him, the theater is also a place to build friendships.
“I have friends here—the Little Prince, Mane, Edward,” he says. “Marine teaches us our lines and plays music. I like it when everyone loves me.”
Arpi Khachatryan is the mother of Vardan, who plays the Fox, and Martin, who plays the King. Her children have been part of MIASIN for four years. For Arpi, the experience has given her a new way to see her children.
“The theater group has given us peace, harmony, creative thinking, and the ability to express what we have in our minds,” she says. “It has allowed me to discover another side of my children—one I would not have seen elsewhere.”
For her, the value of MIASIN goes far beyond becoming an actor. The skills and confidence children gain through drama therapy stay with them in everyday life and have an impact on the whole family.
“The love, warmth, harmony, and peace that Marine creates—we all take that home with us,” Arpi says. “We say that we are a MIASIN family.”
MIASIN is approaching its fifth anniversary. Over the years, the group has grown from a small drama therapy space into a community that brings together children, parents, artists, and supporters.
“All of this becomes possible because of the people who stand beside a child, a parent, a family, or an organization,” Marine says. “Together, we create within this big circle.”
This year’s production of The Little Prince was made possible through the generous support of many donors, including Sunday schools from parishes of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, through FAR’s Ayo! crowdfunding platform.
The support also builds on a broader commitment to the children and families served through the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center. Previous MIASIN performances, as well as the group’s clay therapy classes, have been supported by the Center’s generous sponsors: Hovsep Foundation, The John Mirak Foundation, and Myron and Mary Shahinian Stapanian Fund.
For the children, that support becomes something tangible: a rehearsal, a costume, a clay sculpture, a new role, a new friendship, or the chance to stand on a professional stage.
And when the lights come on and Michael becomes the Little Prince, Edward the Lamb, and Ares the Geographer, the result is a performance—but also a visible reminder of how much children can grow when they have a place to create and connect.
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