Curtains Rise on the 27th Istanbul Theatre Festival: A Celebration of Global Performance Arts

The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable as the 27th Istanbul Theatre Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), prepares to take center stage. From October 25th to November 25th, audiences will have the privilege of experiencing a diverse and captivating program that unites local and international talents, promising a month of unforgettable artistic encounters.

A Global Celebration of Theatre and Dance

Under the visionary curatorship of Işıl Kasapoğlu, the 27th Istanbul Theatre Festival promises an impressive lineup of 20 theatre and dance performances, originating from both Turkey and abroad. The festival serves as a bridge between the masters who have shaped contemporary theatre and the emerging talents who are crafting its future. The program encompasses 11 productions from Turkey and an additional 9 from Germany, England, Denmark, France, Georgia, Ireland, Israel, and Greece.

A Tapestry of Theatrical Styles and Genres

The 27th Istanbul Theatre Festival stands out for its incredible variety of staging styles and genres. From thought-provoking documentary theatre to timeless classical productions, from the fluidity of contemporary dance to the enchantment of mask theatre, from the captivating world of puppet cinema to the immersive experience of site-specific works, from the emotive realm of dance theatre to the mesmerizing beauty of performative installations – this festival truly has it all. In addition, the local productions program is an ode to the up-and-coming generation of writers, directors, and actors, featuring original and groundbreaking texts. Established actors like Ercan Kesal, Nesrin Kazankaya, Bülent Emin Yarar, Çiçek Dilligil, Okan Bayülgen, Deniz Türkali, and Meral Çetinkaya will also grace the stage.

The International Dance Extravaganza

The international dance segment of the festival is nothing short of sensational. Audiences will be treated to Pina Bausch's masterwork, "Café Müller," performed by the extraordinary Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch. Celebrated choreographer Hofesh Shechter presents a thrilling double bill, "Double Murder," while Uppercut Dance Theater of Denmark brings "Benched," a brutally honest tale about finding one's place in life.

The international program also features "Soeurs" by acclaimed writer and director Wajdi Mouawad, "Feste" by Familie Flöz, renowned for their rediscovery of mask theatre, "Republic of Baklava" by the pioneering Anestis Azas from Greek theatre, and "Masterclass" by Brokentalkers, considered one of the most groundbreaking theatre companies in Ireland.