MY INSANE SHAKESPEARE Wins United Solo and Backstage Audience Award

"My Insane Shakespeare", a solo performance by award-winning actor and director Arthur Elbakyan, has won the prestigious Untied Solo and Backstage Audience Award.

Created in partnership between United Solo and Backstage Magazine, Audience Award was presented to Arthur Elbakyan during the closing ceremony at Theatre Row on 42nd street in New York City.

Elbakyan was invited to the world's largest solo theatre festival United Solo, to present "My Insane Shakespeare" as a world premiere. The one-man show was sold out months in advance for two performances on the evenings of October 13th and 19th, 2014 in the heart of New York City's theatre district.

Written, directed and performed by Arthur Elbakyan, "My Insane Shakespeare" tackles the classic, yet ever-inspiring question at the heart of Shakespeare's Hamlet - "to be-or not to be?"

Elbakyan played an actor who is at the peak of his success. His closest friends, overcome with jealousy, betray him and incarcerate him in a mental institution against his own will. The main character analyzes life, love, hatred, and realizes that the line between an insane and sane person has long been erased. In the midst of solidarity and seclusion, his feelings and emotions begin to flow upon paper and canvas.

Additionally, the play debuted several pieces of original artwork by Elbakyan himself, featured as to have been painted by the main character and portraying his inner workings.