Photo Flash: First Look at Arthur Elbakyan's MY INSANE SHAKESPEARE at United Solo

The world premiere of My Insane Shakespeare has taken place at New York City's Theatre Row on October 13th, 2014 with smashing success and is set for an additional performance on October 19th, 2014. Written, directed and performed by independent actor and director Arthur Elbakyan, "My Insane Shakespeare" has been sold out months in advance at the world's largest theatre festival. Scroll down for photos!

"I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful festival which explores and celebrates the uniqueness of the individual, and to present my play." said Arthur Elbakyan.

Elbakyan plays the main character, an actor, who involuntarily finds himself in a mental hospital at which point, the key developments of the play unfold. Betrayed by his close friends and allies, the actor analyzes life, love, hatred, and realizes that the line between an insane and sane person has long been erased. In the midst of solitude and seclusion, his feelings and emotions begin to flow upon paper and canvas.

"I tell this true story with my paintings. When I drafted the stage design for the play, I became so inspired that I created a large number of oil paintings," shared Elbakyan, "You could say that the main character of the play has painted them."

By drawing parallels between our modern day lives and the days of Shakespeare, Elbakyan proves that over time, human relationships and values have not changed at all. Moreover, he shows that Shakespeare's "to be, or not to be" has become even more of a burning question today.

Arthur Elbakyan is an international actor and theatre, film, and television director and producer. Having lived in Armenia, Russia, Europe and the United States, Elbakyan has played over 30 leading theatre roles and has been the author and host of numerous television shows. Elbakyan was the founder of the Theatre Studio "13" and also co-founded the first independent television channel in Armenia "AR". Elbakyan's passion for theatre was strong enough to bring theatre to television with his introduction of a series of television shows "It's Majesty Theatre" on the National Television of Armenia, taking the audience to the unique world of the theatre and performing arts. Recently, Elbakyan has received Best Documentary Short Award at the Los Angeles Film and Script Festival.

2014 United Solo celebrates its 5th anniversary season and its dynamic expansion in scope and popularity. Over 130 shows from six continents are staged at Theatre Row: 410 West 42nd Street, New York City. Tickets, with a price of $19.25 (including a $1.25 theatre restoration charge) are available at Theatre Row box office, 410 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, as well as over the phone at 212.239.6200 and online at www.telecharge.com. More details can be found at www.unitedsolo.org. Follow on twitter @MyInsaneShakesp or on Facebook: facebook.com/MyInsaneShakespeare.

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