Istanbul Theatre Festival returns with rich tapestry of performances

The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) is gearing up to host the 28th edition of the prestigious Istanbul Theatre Festival. This year’s event, curated by Mehmet Birkiye, will feature a diverse lineup of 19 theatrical performances, dance pieces, and immersive experiences from both Türkiye and international artists.

Scheduled to take place from Oct. 22 to Nov. 19, the Istanbul Theatre Festival includes premieres by renowned names such as Sahika Tekand, Ebru Nihan Celkan, and Yigit Sertdemir. In addition, three new local plays, supported by the Gulriz Sururi-Engin Cezzar Theatre Encouragement Award and the IKSV Young Artist Fund, will be showcased.

Pioneering performances on global stage

At a press conference held at The Marmara Hotel Taksim, IKSV Chairman Bulent Eczacibasi expressed his delight in hosting innovative performances that open new horizons in the world of arts.

“Since 1989, we have been bringing groundbreaking works and influential figures from around the world to Istanbul, while also supporting new productions from Türkiye through various awards and funds,” Eczacibasi noted, thanking supporters of the Istanbul Theatre Festival.

Refinery giant Turpas’ General Manager Ibrahim Yelmenoglu also shared his pride in sponsoring the festival for 20 years, emphasizing the importance of supporting both local and international performances. This year, the festival invites audiences with the slogan “All Faces on Stage,” while Tupras celebrates its 20th year of sponsorship with the motto “Hundreds of Emotions on Stage.”

Essential role of theatre in society

Curator Mehmet Birkiye highlighted theatre’s vital role in understanding and connecting with “the other,” which he described as essential for a just and democratic world. He emphasized the need for theatre to have a more prominent place in our lives, hoping that this year’s Istanbul Theatre Festival will contribute to that goal.

The festival’s programming and operations manager, Handan Uzal Dundar, also provided detailed insights into the festival’s offerings.

Honoring legend at Istanbul Theatre Festival: Mujdat Gezen

This year’s festival honors veteran actor Mujdat Gezen with the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” In his speech, Gezen expressed his long-standing connection with IKSV, dating back to 1973.

He praised the foundation’s contributions to culture and the arts on a global scale, adding that the award is a profound honor for him.

Global theatre experience

As always, the Istanbul Theatre Festival will bring remarkable examples of world theatre to Istanbul, with a special focus on unique interpretations of Shakespeare. Highlights include Germany’s Schaubuhne Berlin’s “Richard III,” directed by Thomas Ostermeier and starring Lars Eidinger, Romania’s Marin Sorescu National Theatre’s “Hamlet” by Declan Donnellan, and Serbia’s National Theatre’s “Macbeth” by Nikita Milivojevic.

Making its debut in Türkiye, the world-renowned Comedie-Francaise will perform “Hecuba, Not Hecuba,” directed by Avignon Festival Director Tiago Rodrigues. The festival will also host Japan’s butoh master Ushio Amagatsu with his troupe Sankai Juku’s “Utsushi,” in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Japan-Türkiye diplomatic relations.

For more details, visit IKSV‘s website.