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The Antalya 16th International Theater Festival began with a parade by the Dutch theater group Close Act, which performed its show “World of Tomorrow” (Yarinin Dunyasi) as it moved from Ataturk Park to Cumhuriyet Square.
This year’s festival, with the slogan "If there is theater, Antalya is a stage," includes 23 productions and 50 performances.
Theater groups from the Netherlands, India, Spain, Romania, and Tunisia are taking part, along with state theater companies from Istanbul, Ankara, Diyarbakir, Bursa, Izmir, Erzurum, and Kayseri.
India’s 'Taj Express' opened the festival at the Aspendos Ancient Theater. Before the show, State Theaters General Director Tamer Karadagli said the festival brings together not just plays but also "cultures, emotions and stories" from three continents.
Antalya Governor Hulusi Sahin pointed out that Aspendos, which is about 2,000 years old, is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world.
He added that art and theater continue to bring people together, even during times of global conflict.
'Taj Express'
'Taj Express,' written by Toby Gough and directed by Shruti Merchant, is a two-act musical about a young composer named Shankar.
The story follows him as he works on his first Bollywood film score. Audiences see inside a music studio and follow Shankar’s creative journey as he finds his own voice, inspired by composer A.R. Rahman.
Another part of the story follows actors Kareena and Arjun, who are brought together by their love of dance despite their different backgrounds.
The show also gives a look behind the scenes of Bollywood, often called India’s 'dream factory.'
The festival continues until May 19.
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