Lala Mnatsakanyan, a prominent figure in the Armenian theater and cinema industry, passed away on June 22 at the age of 66. Although I never had the opportunity to work with her on the big screen or stage, I did have the privilege of collaborating with her in a different capacity. We shared the same course in an institution, and her uniqueness and magnetism left a lasting impression on me.

During the requiem service held on June 24 at the Komitas Surb Hovhannes Church, David Hakobyan, the artistic director of the theater and cinema department at the National Institute of Art and Architecture, spoke about Mnatsakanyan’s impact on those around her. He described her as someone who had the ability to educate and enlighten others.

Hakobyan shared a heartfelt anecdote about Mnatsakanyan. He recounted a time when they had a burial scene in which she played the role of the deceased. After the performance, Mnatsakanyan unexpectedly hung a picture of herself in the dressing room, framed in black. When she later saw the photo, she became hysterical and accused Hakobyan of something. Despite the confusion, she remained fixated on the picture until she could return from “that world.”

Born on October 8, 1957, in Yerevan, Mnatsakanyan attended the theater and cinema department of the State Pedagogical Institute of Yerevan. In 1978, she graduated with a red diploma, showcasing her exceptional talent. Throughout her career, she took on numerous roles in theater, cinema, and television, captivating audiences with her remarkable performances. Mnatsakanyan’s repertoire spanned various theaters, including the Young Theater in Yerevan, Hovhannes Abelyan State Drama Theater in Vanadzor, Gabriel Sundukyan National Academic Theater, “Metro” Theater, and Mher Mkrtchyan Art Theater. In total, she had around 140 roles in film and stage productions.