Turkish theatre has a rich history that shows the cultural mix between the East and the West. Originating to the Ottoman Empire, Turkish theatre has traditions of religious storytelling, folk performances and Western European influences. One of the first forms of Turkish theatre was Ortaoyunu. This was an interactive, improvisational theater performed in open air spaces. The performances contained dances and acting fully improvised, and the actors wore exaggerated costumes and masks. Ortaoyunu was extremely popular for religious holidays or festivals and would bring the large community together to watch.
In addition to Ortaoyunu, Karagoz and Hacivat was a popular theater form in the Ottoman period. This was a shadow puppet play, with comedic and satire filled performances to wide audiences. The performances used characters and humor to criticize society and politics. Karagoz, the main puppet character, was a beloved figure in Turkish culture, representing the wisdom and comedy that they all loved to watch.
As Turkey became more modernized in the early 20th century, the influence of Western theatre started to grow. European-style theatre houses were built in big cities such as Istanbul and Ankara and brought European plays from Shakespeare and Ibsen. During this period, Turkish playwrights also emerged, like Nazim Hikmet. He created plays that addressed the struggles of the Turkish working class and were relatable to the Turkish audience. His plays continue to be shown to this day as an influential poet and playwright.
Today, Turkish theatre is a huge part of the country’s landscape. Turkish playwrights create a wide range of topics, from political critique to family dynamics. There are many theatre festivals, like the Istanbul Theatre Festival, that showcase the diversity of Turkish performers and writers, drawing audiences from around the world. Turkish theatre has shaped into a powerful cultural force that will continue to thrive.
Sources:
https://www.advantour.com/turkey/culture/theater.htm
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