Turkish, Greek Ministers watch Shakespeare’s classic in Istanbul

Ministers from Türkiye and Greece join forces for a performance of Romeo and Juliet, aiming to bolster cultural ties across the Aegean

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni convened on Friday at Istanbul’s Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM) for a performance of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Romeo and Juliet.

The play, a collaborative effort between Turkish State Theaters, Greece’s Athens Concert Hall Megaron, and the cultural organization Lykofos of Yorgos Lykiardopoulos, is drawing theater enthusiasts from both sides of the Aegean Sea.

This initiative aims to fortify cultural bonds and foster collaboration among art institutions and artists from Greece and Türkiye.

Premiering on Thursday in Istanbul, the play is scheduled to run until April 28.

Ersoy, speaking at a press briefing at AKM, disclosed that rehearsals commenced on February 18 in Greece. He emphasized that following its captivating reception in Türkiye, the production will relocate to Athens in May, with 13 performances slated in both countries.

“We also plan for it to take part in the 14th State Theaters Antalya International Theater Festival to be held in Antalya between May 17 and 27.

It will also be staged in different cities of Türkiye and Greece during the summer months and the upcoming theater season, and participation in prestigious theater festivals in Europe will be possible,” he added.

Ersoy conveyed his eagerness to continue collaborative efforts with relevant institutions and organizations in Greece to further bolster cultural relations between the two nations.

Mendoni expressed her delight at the play’s reception in Istanbul, underscoring its significance for Turkish-Greek relations.

“This play could be a beginning. As two communities, we can elevate our cultural ties even further. We are pleased to learn that there are not only collaborations at the state level but also joint projects and bilateral cooperation among private organizations. I look forward to welcoming you to the play that will be staged in Athens on May 16. I am sure the play will be very well received in Athens too,” she remarked.

Source: Newsroom