State Theaters, playing a significant role in Turkiye’s cultural and artistic scene, embark on a new vision and goals. the General DirectorTamer Karadağlı hosted the ‘State Theaters 2024, Theater Everywhere’ launch at the Turkish Hearth Stage in Ankara. Karadağlı discussed the future artistic vision of State Theaters at the launch, sharing plans to popularize theater in society and strengthen national theater with a contemporary perspective. Karadağlı stated, “We are taking steps to strengthen our national theater and bring it together with a contemporary perspective.”
Return to Our Roots: Fusion of Traditional and Modern Theater Elements
State Theaters aims to return to its roots by merging traditional theater elements with contemporary art. During the launch held on January 10 in Ankara, discussions revolved around how traditional theater elements could be combined with a modern understanding and how the unique theater of Turkish society could be redefined.
Integration with the Audience: “Theater Everywhere” Project
State Theaters aims to establish a closer relationship with the audience through the “Theater Everywhere” project. As part of this initiative, the Little Theater building in Ankara Ulus, considered one of the finest works of Architect Kemalettin Bey, has been reopened for public use. Karadağlı emphasized that this project would integrate theater more closely with the community.
Traditional Theater Elements Meeting Contemporary Art
State Theaters will implement projects that combine traditional theater elements with contemporary art in the coming days. Within these projects, panels and symposiums will be organized, exploring how values carried from the past can intersect with modern art. The steps in line with this vision aim to bring Turkish theater to a broader audience, intending to bridge traditional and contemporary theater and add a new dimension to the Turkish community’s understanding of theater.
Theater Everywhere
State Theaters, shaping Turkey’s cultural and artistic life, shares a grand vision as it enters its 75th year. Regarding this, Karadağlı said, “Theater is life itself. The main theme of this season will be ‘Theater Everywhere! Theater is within life!’ It is time to respond to our people who supported us even in the worst times with theater. Our duty is not to divide but to unite, to become one.”
Cultural Unity and Contribution to Tourism
State Theaters emphasize cultural unity through festivals, particularly focusing on the more effective utilization of ancient theaters. Karadağlı mentioned an international artistic collaboration with Greece in the upcoming season, presenting the play “Romeo and Juliet.” He said, “By using the unifying power of art worldwide, we want to represent our country in the best possible way.” Karadağlı also stated that the play, a joint production of State Theaters and the City Theater of Piraeus in Greece, would strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The love story presented in the play will highlight the value of love once again. The play will premiere in Istanbul at the AKM (Atatürk Cultural Center) and later be staged in Ankara, Izmir, and Athens, demonstrating once again that unconditional love can be a balm for us all.”
