Silence is also a choice, but without an alternative and very specific. This text will definitely reach you, Mr. Vance. Gyumri council member, well-known producer and opposition member Ruben Mkhitaryan, on Monday wrote this on Facebook, as he publicly addressed US Vice President JD Vance, who will arrive in Armenia today.

Mkhitaryan added as follows: “Mephisto—an Oscar-winning film about the silent deal between art and power. All coincidences are not accidental.

1930s, Germany. Actor Hendrik Hoefgen is loved by everyone. Fame, success, admiration. But when the Nazis come to power, Hendrik’s circle gradually thins out. Some leave the country, some are subjected to repression, and some are simply deprived of [their] means of livelihood. In response to all this, Hendrik resolutely declares

— Art is outside politics

And he remains. He is not required to sing hymns to the Nazis. Just continue to ‘do your job well in your place’ … and enjoy success. Go on stage. Only do not talk about the fact that you are not satisfied with the current authorities.

Thus, Hendrik builds a brilliant career. He becomes not only a leading actor, but also a theater director. Fame, wealth, a two-story house in a Berlin suburb…

In the symbolic ending of the story, the main character appears in the blinding light of a projector in an empty stadium. There is no audience, no beloved, no friends, and it seems that the former Hendrik is no longer. He has become part of the system, formally remaining outside politics, but in reality turning into a small, obedient, and controllable cog in that system.

— I am just an actor…

Hendrik shouts…

But no one hears those words.

And the question remains open: at what point does silence become a choice?

PS: Because of not being silent, there are political prisoners in Armenia, where the US vice president is visiting today.”