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Armenian-American Family's Century-Long Struggle for Belonging
18 Nov
Summary
- Armenian-American family fights for citizenship in 1920s court case
- Satirical reality TV show explores their assimilation and identity struggles
- Debate over racial classification and cultural preservation continues today
In the new play "Meet the Cartozians," playwright Talene Monahon takes audiences on a century-long journey of an Armenian-American family's struggle for belonging. The story begins in 1920s Portland, where the Cartozian family fights a landmark court case to be recognized as "white" and gain U.S. citizenship after the patriarch is denied naturalization.
A century later, the family's descendants are featured on a reality TV show, akin to "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," where they debate the complexities of racial classification and cultural preservation. As the family navigates the superficiality of Hollywood, they are forced to confront their past and the ongoing challenges of assimilation.
The play's dual timelines highlight the persistent questions of identity and home that have plagued the Cartozian family for generations. Monahon skillfully weaves together the historical and contemporary narratives, exploring how the family's struggle for acceptance has evolved over time while still remaining deeply rooted in their Armenian heritage.
