State Theatre Sabancı International Adana Theatre Festival

22nd State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival

The “State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival” organized with support from the Sabancı Foundation meets with the audience for the 22st time

The “State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival” organized with support from the Sabancı Foundation meets with the audience for the 22st time

The State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival, organized by the cooperation of the Sabancı Foundation and the Directorate General of State Theaters, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, opened its curtains for the 22nd time on May 24. The Festival opening was celebrated in the presence of Adana Governor Süleyman Elban, Mustafa Kurt, General Director of State Theaters, and Nevgül Bilsel Safkan, General Manager of the Sabancı Foundation, and Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism, sent with a video message. The Festival started with Tiyatrokare’s emotional comedy “Trees Dies Standing”.

Nevgül Bilsel Safkan, General Manager of the Sabancı Foundation, made her speech. “We are delighted to be together for the opening of the State Theaters - Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival," she said and continued, "Today, we are excited to meet for theater in Adana for the 22nd time, even with a social distance. We know that you wait for our festival with longing and excitement as well. The Sabancı Foundation has been working for 47 years with the goal of contributing to social development in the light of the principles put forward by Hacı Ömer Sabancı. We see that art has a great power when working towards this goal. The Sabancı Foundation has supported art by building theaters, cultural centers and museums since its early years. A prominent example of this support is Adana Hacı Ömer Sabancı Cultural Center. The capacity of the center has significantly increased with the addition of the Sabancı Chamber Theater two years ago. The Foundation embraces art in many areas, just like this festival and institutions, and offers intensive support. All the arts we support are important to us. However, the International Adana Theater Festival, initiated by Sakıp Sabancı, is very special to us. Since 2005, the 'Sakıp Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award' has been presented at the opening night of the Festival. This award is offered to show our respect for those masters who have made important contributions to the theater and this year, we will present the award to Nevra Serezli, the doyenne of Turkish actresses. I would like to congratulate her in advance.”

"Sakıp Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award" handed over to Nevra Serezli

The “Sakıp Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award”, which has been offered since 2005 to pay homage to masters who have played a profound role in the development of the art of drama, went to Nevra Serezli this year and she accepted her award on stage before her performance.

Festival has all measures ready against the pandemic

In the festival, a limited audience will be hosted this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and all measures will be taken, and the plays will be staged in Adana Central Park Amphitheater Park and Hacı Ömer Sabancı Cultural Center.

Before the performances, body temperature of the audience will be measured and their HES codes checked. The audience will be allowed into the hall once they have their ticket QR code scanned without contact.

18 plays will meet the audience at the Festival

The Adana Theater Festival is going to host 18 different plays, performed by 9 state theaters, 7 private theaters and 1 city theater from all across Turkey.

For more information about the plays, please refer to the festival brochure.

21st State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival

The “State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival” organized with support from the Sabancı Foundation meets with the audience for the 21st time

The State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival, organized by the cooperation of the Sabancı Foundation and the Directorate General of State Theaters, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, opened its curtains for the 21st time on March 27 World Theater Day. The Festival commenced with the epic performance “Anatolian Love Legends” by Shaman Dance Theater in the presence of Güler Sabancı, Chairperson of Board of Trustees of the Sabancı Foundation, Prof. Dr. Haluk Dursun, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mahmut Demirtaş, Governor of Adana, Nevgül Bilsel Safkan, General Manager of the Sabancı Foundation, and Mustafa Kurt, General Director of the State Theaters. 

Güler Sabancı, Chairperson of Board of Trustees of the Sabancı Foundation, during her speech, first celebrated March 27 World Theater Day and then “The State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival has become a tradition for us and this is the 21st time we are hosting it. This continuity is a product of the great cooperation between the State Theaters, the Ministry of Culture, and the Sabancı Foundation, which I want to call a partnership. These two organizations continue working together even though people involved are not the same. Organizations matter, their cooperation do matter, and wealth created in collaboration is more valuable. Sakıp Sabancı attached great importance to the Adana Theater Festival. He said the international aspect of it was an important part of it. Today, I observe that the first destination of some of those who come to Turkey for the first time is Adana. Thus, this is a festival that has placed Adana on the global map of theater. The People of Adana appreciate it. The most important element helping us continue doing this festival with success is the dear theater-lover people of Adana, who have adopted the festival. And it makes us very happy. This year we have opened the Sabancı Chamber Theater and I hope the people of Adana will enjoy it,” she said. 

The “Sakıp Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award” handed over to Işıl Kasapoğlu

The “Sakıp Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award”, which has been offered annually since 2005 to pay homage to masters who have played a profound role in the development of the art of drama, went to Işıl Kasapoğlu this year. Kasapoğlu received his award from Güler Sabancı, Chairperson of Board of Trustees of the Sabancı Foundation. 

The Festival with the richest program in its history meets with the audience in its 21st year

The 21st State Theaters-Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival was closed with the play "Sultan Jaloliddin - Sword of Ancestors" by the Khorezm Regional Musical Drama Theater. During the Festival, a total of 31 different plays, performed by 7 state theaters, 2 municipality theaters and 14 private theaters from Turkey, and 8 overseas companies, met with the audience.

This year, the Festival hosted plays from Poland, Georgia, Spain, Argentina, Uzbekistan, Kosovo, Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. While the excitement of Turkey's longest-lasting theater festival spread across Adana and celebrated in the workshops, it was also felt in Istanbul with a number of plays staged at Sabancı University.

The Festival curtains opened with Shaman Dance Theater's "Anatolian Love Legends" and continued with "Romeo and Juliet" from Poland, "Julius Ceaser" from Georgia, "Chefs" from Spain, "Mandragora Circo" from Argentina, "Sultan Jaloliddin" from Uzbekistan, "Masked" from Kosovo, "Hellados" from Azerbaijan and "Pigeons without Wing" from TRNC.

The following plays also met with the audience: Duru Theater's "Talk about the Passion", Istanbul Temaşa Theater's "Second Spring", Tiyatro Adam's "Inspector", Yolcu Theater's "Venus in Fur", Semaver Troupe's "Catch-22", Çolpan İlhan & Sadri Alışık Theater's "The Shawshank Redemption", Antalya State Theater's "Waiting for Waiting for Godot", Istanbul State Theater's "Electra", Eskişehir City Theater's "Scapin the Schemer", Istanbul City Theater's "The Ants" and Ankara State Theater's "The Miser", Ankara State Theater's "Nickname Goncagül" and Izmir State Theater's "Songstrees".

Sabancı Chamber Theater brought young actors together with the audience

Sabancı Chamber Theater, one of the institutions of the Sabancı Foundation, built within the Hacı Ömer Sabancı Cultural Center, hosted young theater groups throughout the Festival.

The following plays met with the audience: Ankara State Theater's "This Property is Condemned and The Case of the Crushed Petunias" and "Alas Nadir", Physical Theater's "Under the Chateaux", Altıdan Sonra Theater's "Maqam Finally", Myart Production's "The Blind Owl", Bambu Theater's "The Last Day of a Condemned" Perde Sanat's "Rulette", Dramatik Sahne Sanatları's "The Woman" and Hayal Perdesi's "Three Sisters".

In addition, during the one-month festival, art lovers, young and old alike, enjoyed their time in various workshops for yoga, puppet making, dance, opera, illustration, photography and creative drama.

20th State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival

The “State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival” organized with support from the Sabancı Foundation meets with the audience for the 20th time

The State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival, organized by the cooperation of the Sabancı Foundation and the General Directorate of State Theaters, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, opened its curtains on March 27, World Theater Day and met with art lovers. The festival commenced with an elegant performance by the Cuban Habana Compás Dance Company, titled  “Cuba, Dance and Percussion” and with a great number of guests as well as Güler Sabancı, Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Sabancı Foundation, Hüseyin Yayman, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mahmut Demirtaş, Governor of Adana, Hüseyin Sözlü, Mayor of Adana Metropolitan Municipality, Zülfikar İnönü Tümer, Member of Parliament from CHP’s Adana office, Zerrin Koyunsağan, General Manager of the Sabancı Foundation, and Mustafa Kurt, General Director of the State Theaters.

Chairman of the Sabancı Foundation Board of Trustees Güler Sabancı  said: “Art is one of the most important factors with a positive influence in social development. We can only say that social development is realized if the society is fed with culture and art. As Sabancı Foundation, our duty is to do things that support social growth and development. Theater and all other fields of art are essential for social development. Fortunately, we do a lot in this area. For 44 years, we have put into public service many institutions, including cultural centers, theater halls, museum, etc., across the country. And this theater festival in Adana is one of those projects that we are very enthusiastic about. The late Sakıp Sabancı eagerly wanted to make this festival happen and started it, and we are very proud that we could help it grow year by year and celebrate its 20th year,” and thanked people of Adana and all other art lovers who have adopted the festival with excitement and enthusiasm.

Referring to the relationship between technology and art, Sabancı  said: ”Technology affects our lives every day. That is true, but humanity should not change, being human should never change. Hence, theater is important, art is important, and being human is important.” 

““Sakıp Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award” goes to Ayla Algan

The “Sakıp Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award”, which has been offered annually since 2005 to pay homage to masters who have played a profound role in the development of the art of drama, went to Ayla Algan this year. Algan received her award from Güler Sabancı, Chairman of the Sabancı Foundation Board of Trustees. 

In its 20th year, Festival’s 30 plays met with the audience

The State Theaters – Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival, in its 20th year, hosted 30 different plays in total, performed by 6 companies from overseas, and by 4 state theaters, 4 municipality theaters, and 15 private theaters. 

The plays to be staged during the Festival this year include “Cuba, Dance and Percussion” from Cuba, “Best of Yllana” and “Solitudes” from Spain, “Godos” from Lithuania, “Teatro Delusio” from Germany, and “Shockheaded Peter”, from Slovenia, reached the highest number of plays in the Festival’s history. In addition, the number of open-air performances during the Festival increased to three this year. Art lovers enjoyed Habana Compás Dance Company’s Flamenco performance, as well as the Bursa State Theater’s performance in “Play “Mastika For Me” and Antalya State Theater’s performance in “Dumrul the Mad” in Merkez Park. 

This longest-lasting theater festival in Turkey reached its highest number of local performances offered to the audience as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Theater lovers saw “39 Steps” staged by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality City Theater, “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” by Tiyatroadam, “The Proud Dead Elephants” by Semaver Company, “Joko’s Anniversary” by Yolcu Tiyatro, “Cat on A Hot Tin Roof” by Mam’Art, “The Zoo Story” by Çolpan İlhan & Sadri Alışık Theater, “I Want Kids” and “The Child Behind the Eyes” by Tiyatro Keyfi, “Sorrow” by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theater,  “Painter” by Adana Metropolitan Municipality City Theater, “How can Asiye be Saved” by Seyhan Municipality City Theater, “Ottoman Royal Radio” by Ankara State Theater, and the children’s play “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” by Adana State Theater.

Adana hosted young artists from every region of Turkey 

The Festival, as usual, continued supporting young artists from different cities in Turkey and making room on its stage for alternative companies. The Festival calendar included “I am Frida Kahlo” by Ankara Devinim Theater, “Guards at the Taj” by Plan B, “The Middle” by No Name Stage, “You Are More Beautiful Than İstanbul” by BAM, “The Statement” by Sand Area, “Now You Have No Shelter” by Tiyatro Kast, “Broken Doll and The Diva” by Performance Theater, “Shakespeare Fairy” by Shakespeare and Music, and “The Mail” by Sahne Daktilo.

In addition, during its one-month period, the Festival enabled participants to enjoy a number of workshops on photography, makeup, fairy tale theater, glasswork, etc.

19th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Curtains Go Up for the 19th time at "the State Theaters-Sabancı International Adana Theater Festival" Organized with the Support of Sabancı Foundation.

Starting with the play “Giydirici” (The Dresser) staged by Istanbul State Theater on March 27 World Theater Day, the festival opened with the attendance of Mersin MP Mr. Fikri Sağlar; Mr. Mustafa Yavuz, Deputy Governor of Adana; Mr. Hüseyin Sözlü, Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor; Ms. Zerrin Koyunsağan, Sabancı Foundation General Manager; and Mr. Necat Birecik, General Art Director of State Theaters as well as many distinguished guests.

Stating in her speech at the opening ceremony that they believe culture and art activities need to reach all segments of society, Sabancı Foundation General Manager Zerrin Koyunsağan added: “Supporting culture and art is among the priorities of our Foundation. We support these activities to integrate with the world, to speak the common language of art, and to uphold traditional values. All our activities aim to make art accessible for all and to bring art and more people together. The festival that brings all of us together today is the fruit of the dream of making Adana a city of culture and art.”

“Sakıp Sabanci Lifelong Achievement Award” Goes to Ayten Gökçer

“Sakıp Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award” has been offered to artists since 2005 as a token of gratitude and respect for masters who have made great contributions to the development of the art of theater. The award went to Ayten Gökçer this year. Serap Sağlar, an artist at State Theaters, accepted the award on behalf of Ayten Gökçer who could not attend the ceremony due to her illness.

Istanbul State Theater Deputy Director and actor Celal Kadri Kınoğlu read the World Theater Day declaration written by Prof. Dr. Merih Tangün.

A total of 21 plays, 12 from Turkey and 9 from abroad staged in the festival this year.

The Heart of Theater Beated in Adana for A Month

Plays “Romeo and Juliet” and “Anna and the Admiral” from Russia, “The GagFather” from Spain, “Cherry Orchard” from Georgia, “Old Clown Wanted” from Macedonia, “Antigone” from Serbia and “Log House”, a children’s play, from Italy had been staged in this year’s festival that is to last until April 30.

From Turkey, Istanbul State Theater staged “the Dresser”, Izmir State Theater “Mindgame”, Diyarbakır State Theater “Three Sisters”, Ankara State Theater “Unofficial Roxelana”, Tiyatro Adam “Was There an Ivan Ivanovich or Not?”, Tiyatro Kare “Arsenic and Old Lace”, Pürtelaş Tiyatro “Constellations”, Tiyatro Platform “The Rebellion Day of Dogs”, Boğaziçi Performing Arts Ensemble “Who’s There – The Last Hamlet of Mr. Muhsin” and all these plays met theater lovers.

Joining the festival from Spain, Cia La Tal staged ‘Carillo’, an outstanding example of street theater, at Doğal Parkand present the people of Adana with an enjoyable open air show.

Support for young artists continues

Among the plays staged in the festival by youth ensembles from both home and abroad are “The Border” by Theater 28 from Germany, and “The Fool” by Ya Da Theater, “Behind The Lie” by Tiyatro Hane and “The Button with Four Holes” by Fabrika Oyuncuları from Turkey.

In addition, workshops organized throughout the festival with the following themes: puppet, costume and mask production, creative clay activity and Karagöz.

18th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Organized with the cooperation of the Sabanci Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and State Theaters, State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival opened its curtains for the 18th time on March 27, World Theater Day. The opening ceremony of the festival was held with the attendance of Assoc. Prof. Huseyin Yayman, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism; Mustafa Buyuk, Governor of Adana; Mr. Huseyin Sozlu, Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor; Ms. Guler Sabanci, Sabanci Foundation Chair of the Board of Trustees; Ms. Zerrin Koyunsagan, Sabancı Foundation General Manager; Mr. A. Necat Birecik, General Art Director of State Theatres; and artist Erdal Ozyagcilar, as well as many distinguished guests.

Delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, Sabanci Foundation Chair of the Board of Trustees Guler Sabanci stated that they believed that a society that does not nourish itself with culture and art cannot be referred to as a developed society regardless of how rich it is and she added: “As the Sabanci Foundation, we have created lasting works such as cultural centers, theater halls and museums in all regions of Turkey for 42 years. We have taken significant steps to ease the access of our society to culture and art activities. When accomplishing the International Adana Theater Festival, we set out from late Sakip Sabanci’s idea of reaching his dream of making Adana a culture and art city and ensuring the access of more people to theater. Sakip Sabanci cared for the development of the art of theater. He used to call the cooperation with the State Theaters a partnership. This is an 18-year partnership.”

Adana will be the capital of theater for a month

The longest-running theater festival of Turkey lasting for a month, the 18th International Adana Theater Festival hosted a total of 23 plays, 16 from Turkey and 7 from abroad.

Ensembles from abroad created a bridge extending from Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Macedonia, and Georgia to Adana in the festival, lasting until April 30. Plays ‘Hotel Paradiso’ by Ensemble Familie Flöz from Germany, ‘Brokers’ by Yllana Production from Spain, ‘Cabaret in a Season and out of Season’ by NY Production from the Netherlands, ‘Macbeth’ by Albanian Theater Skopje from Macedonia, and ‘The Mad Man’s Diary’ by Kote Marjanishvili State Drama Theater from Georgia staged in the festival. Joining the festival from Spain, Cia La Tal staged ‘Carillo’, an outstanding example of street theater, for two consecutive days on April 22 and 23 at 15.00 at Hacı Ömer Sabancı Cultural Center and present the people of Adana with an enjoyable open air show.

Plays by local state and private theaters offered theater lovers a great program. Sivas State Theater and İzmir State Theater staged plays named ‘Tricycle’ and ‘Sacrifice’ respectively. Private theater plays; ‘the Decorator’ by Theater Martı, ‘The Man Outside’ by Yolcu Theater, ‘The Effect’by Siyah Beyaz Theater, ‘The Empire Builders’ by Hayal Perdesi, ‘The Water’s Edge’ by Talimhane Theater, ‘Phosphorous’ by Theater Kare, ‘Frankenstein’ by Sadri Alışık & Çolpan İlhan Theater, ‘The Miser’ by Sermaver Troupe, and ‘Borrowed Lives’ and ‘The Rebellious Bird’ by Ali Poyrazoğlu Theater had been staged in the festival.

Included in the International Adana Theater Festival, plays by youth ensembles, namely ‘Ben Pierre Riviere’ and ‘Trom by Seyyar Theater and ‘A House with Two Doors’ by Ekip Theater, had been staged at the Art Gallery at the General Directorate of Fine Arts. In addition, workshops had been organized throughout the festival with the following themes: Karagöz production and puppetry, playwriting, strategies of action, puppet production and puppetry, costume production with recycled materials, mask production with children, leather handicrafts, and discovering the Macbeth by body.

“Sakip Sabanci Lifelong Achievement Award” Goes to Erdal Ozyagcilar

“Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award” has been offered to artists since 2005 as a token of gratitude and respect for masters who have made great contributions to the development of the art of theater. The Award went to Erdal Ozyagcilar this year. Presented with the Award by Sabanci Foundation Chair of the Board of Trustees Guler Sabanci, the master opened the festival with his play named “Hos Geldin Boyaci” (the Decorator).

17th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Adana once again became the meeting point for culture and arts

The State Theatres Sabancı International Adana Theatre Festival, organised in collaboration with the Sabanci Foundation and the Ministry of Tourism State Theatres, opened its stage on the World Theatre Day on the 27th of March. The festival, which wich was organised for the 17th time this year, offered the citizens of Adana an enjoyable programme throughout the month. The tickets of the festival, during which a total of 24 plays, 16 local and 8 international, were performed, were available as of 18 March.

The festival began with the play “This Burdensome Thing We Call Life” by Istanbul State Theatre at Ankara Directorate of State Theatres Hacı Omer Sabanci Cultural Center. The festival ended on 30 April.

Theatre Ensembles from Turkey and the World Meet in Adana

The plays that were performed at this year’s festival are Summer Nite Theater “Marat / Sade” from the US, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center “The Face of the Dog” from China, Demons Et Merveilles “Lulu Nuit Banche” from France, Espetáculo da 'Dobrar “Gôda” from Portugal, Skopje Turkish Theater “A Midsummer Night’s Dream from Macedonia, The Greek National Theater “Cake” and Kiev Modern Ballet Theater “Carmen TV” from Ukraine.

Istanbul State Theater’s “This Burdensome Thing We Call Life”, Trabzon State Theater’s “Roulette”, Sivas State Theater’s “Blood Wedding”, Ankara Art Theater’s “Halktan Biri” and “Tesadüfen Kadın Elizabeth”, Semaver Kumpanya’s “Birds” and “Data”, Theater Adam’s “Arturo Ui'nin Önlenebilir Tırmanışı”, İkinci Kat Theater’s “Fü”, Çolpan İlhan-Sadri Alışık’s Theater’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and Pürtelaş Theater’s “War” were the plays from the Turkish stages.

The festival playes were staged in Adana at Adana State Theatre’s Directorate Hacı Omer Sabanci Culture Center and in Istanbul at Sabanci University Performing Arts Center. There were dance, playwriting and reading theatre activities for the visually handicapped, mask and puppet making with children and different workshops throughout the festival.

The festival’s special open air show was the “Transition” prepared by the world-renowned German Panoptikum team. This striking performance was enjoyed on 10 April Friday evening at 08:00pm at the train station. The activities at the Atatürk Boulevard between 17-26 April carried the festival spirit to the streets of Adana.

Young Theatre Ensembles on the Festival Stage

Adana Theatre Festival opened the stage to young theatre ensembles to present the theatre-lovers of Adana with alternative performances. As part of the festival, there were 5 young theatre ensembles at the Adana State Theatre Fuaye Genç Sahne. Kulis Sanat Theatre’s “Man at the Bridge”, Seyyar Theatre’s “Dangerous Games”, Ters Ağaç Kukla Theatre’s “Last Fig”, Ray Theatre’s “Window” and Tiyatro Evi’s “Ugly” met their audiences.

Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award

The Sakip Sabanci Lifelong Achievement Award, which has been in place since 2005 to recognize and pay homage to the masters of the art of drama, went to Cihan Unal this year. Ünal’s award was presented by Sabanci Foundation General Manager, Zerrin Koyunsagan. The masters who have been given the Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award are Cuneyt Gökçer (2005), Macide Tanir (2006), Bozkurt Kuruc (2007), Yildiz Kenter (2008), Genco Erkal (2009), Musfik Kenter (2010), Gulriz Sururi (2011), Haldun Dormen (2012), Rutkay Aziz (2013), Prof. Zeliha Berksoy (2014).

More than 80 thousand audiences participating in the festival each year

Adana Theatre Festival has hosted more than 5 thousand Turkish and foreign players, 79 international theatre ensembles from 40 different countries in the last 16 years. 292 plays abd 628 performances were organised by the private theatres in Turkey and the State Theatres. Audiences from different parts of Turkey crowd the Adana Theatre Festival and more than 80 thousand spectators come to the event. 

16th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Adana turns into a Theatre Stage for the 16^th time!

The State Theatre - Sabanci International Adana Theatre Festival organized upon cooperation of the Sabanci Foundation and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, opened its curtains for the 16^th time on Monday, April 14t^h.

The Festival’s opening, which has been marked with spectacular performances on the Seyhan River for the last five years, kicked off with French show company Ilotopie’s fantastic show in 2014. The world-renowned company, which stages innovative performances featuring diverse elements of visual arts, came to Turkey for the first time for the Festival.

Ilotopie’s performance "Water Fools and Aquatic Parade" started with a fire show and fireworks. As part of the performance, there were two parades with themes of "Dream" and "Theme Park". Many colorful characters showed themselves on the Seyhan River. The Dream ceremony included mythological figures, knights, jesters, wizards, ghosts and clowns; whereas the Theme Park ceremony presented comical and enjoyable moments from daily life. The performance ended with fireworks and it captivated thousands of spectators on the shores of Seyhan River.

The opening ceremony of the festival was held at Adana HiltonSA Hotel with the participation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Undersecretary Ozgur Ozaslan; Governor of Adana, Huseyin Avni Cos; Mayor of Adana, Huseyin Sozlu; Sabanci Foundation Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Guler Sabanci; Deputy Chairman, Husnu Pacacioglu; General Manager, Zerrin Koyunsagan, and the General Art Director of State Theatres, Mustafa Kurt, along with other distinguished guests.

“We have a festival competing in the international arena”

In her speech for the 16th year of Adana Theatre Festival, Sabanci Foundation Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Guler Sabanci said that they were celebrating the 40^th anniversary of the Foundation: "The seeds of our Foundation were sown 40 years ago in these lands, in Adana. Since its inception, our Foundation has always attached great importance to culture and arts. As Sabanci Foundation, we are proud of all the culture and art activities we have been supporting, including Adana Theatre Festival."

Guler Sabanci, who stated that the State Theaters Sabanci International Adana Theatre Festival had been made possible by the support of the citizens of Adana in the last 16 years, remarked: "The legacy of the late Sakip Sabanci, who passed away 10 years ago, is owned by all of us. It is a great fortune that we come together on this stage of peace, friendship and tolerance, in Adana Theatre Festival."

The State Theatres General Art Director Musfata Kurt said in his speech: "We feel the great honor of organizing the 16^th of our Festival, which we had first conceptualized as a project back in 1998. This land strengthens its culture with its fertility and hosts many artists with its liveliness and special texture... We are in Cukurova, the beautiful land where productivity of man turns into labor and labor into productivity. We greet all lovers of art once again with the State Theatres Sabanci International Adana Theatre Festival." 

Local and International groups bring a breeze of culture and art in Adana

The longest running theatre festival of Turkey, which lasts for a month, hosted 16 local and 5 international theatre companies in 2014. These groups staged 21 different plays.

The festival hosted theater companies from Spain, Iran, Azerbaijan, Romania and France. The staged performances were "Muu!" by Ylana Theatre from Spain, "Two of Us" by Passe-Partout Theatre Company from Romania, "Drought and Lie" by Inruzha Theatre from Iran, and "The Adventures of Lenkeran Khan’s Vizier" by the State Drama Theatre of Azerbaijan. 

City Theatres, State Theatres and private theatres from Turkey also took part in the Adana Theatre Festival with numerous plays. The plays were staged in Adana at Haci Omer Sabanci Cultural Center and in Istanbul at Sabanci University Performing Arts Center.

The Festival hosted the Stone Bridge Events between May 10-16. The citizens of Adana fully experienced the festival spirit enjoying the music, dance, and performances that took place at Adana’s symbol, Stone Bridge.

The Festival also hosted different workshops on dance, music, art, and stage photography.

This year’s Sakip Sabanci Lifelong Achievement Award went to Prof. Zeliha Berksoy

The Sakip Sabanci Lifelong Achievement Award, which has been in place since 2005 to recognize and pay homage to the masters of the art of drama, went to Prof. Zeliha Berksoy this year. Berksoy’s award was presented by Sabanci Foundation Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Guler Sabanci.

For further information on the plays, you can refer to the festival catalogue.

More than 80 thousand spectators followed the Festival

Adana Theatre Festival has hosted more than 5000 artists and 79 international theatre companies from 40 different countries in 16 years. Including the plays staged by the Turkish private theatres and State Theatres, a total of 292 plays and 628 performances were staged. The Festival, which attracts audiences not only from Adana but from all over Turkey, attracted more than 80 thousand spectators this year.

15th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Curtains Go Up for the 15^th time at the Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival!

Upon cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of State Theaters and the Sabanci Foundation, State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival kickedoff on March 27, World Theater Day, for the fifteenth time, featuring “Memories of Water and Fire”, a spectacular show staged by Italian ensemble Studio Festi on Seyhan River and the Stone Bridge.

Exclusive to the 15^th anniversary of the festival, the first act of the Italian-Turkish-German-French co-production depicted the opulent soil, cotton fields, sunflowers and orangeries of Çukurova through giant platforms melodiously swaying on Seyhan River.

The second act was a fascinating show of water and light, accompanied by the famed musician Can Atilla’s music, beautifully woven with Anatolian tunes.

The opening ceremony of the festival took place with the attendance of Huseyin Avni Cos, Governor of Adana; Guler Sabanci, Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees; Dilek Sabanci, Member of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; Lemi Bilgin, General Manager of the State Theaters; Rutkay Aziz, actor; in addition to ten thousands of spectators. The master of ceremony was actress Ipek Ceken, and the World Theater Day Declaration was read by Goksel Kortay.

Adana Transforms to a Stage where Cultures Mingle

Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees Guler Sabanci reiterated their excitement of transforming Adana to a “play stage” each year: “Exactly 15 years ago, we set out with a small-scale local festival built upon late Sakip Sabanci’s dream of converting Adana into a center of arts and culture. Today, we take pride in seeing world-renowned theaters competing to come to Adana. Our festival constitutes a role model for numerous festivals in Turkey in many ways.”, said Sabanci.

Underlining that the opening and closing performances took place in open air in an effort to reach out to more people in the last 5 years, Guler Sabanci said, “We have built bridges of culture in all corners of the world through our festival. We have hosted a total of five thousand local and foreign artists. Each year more than sixty thousand spectators shared our enthusiasm for the art of theater. We worked up a truly special event in our 15^th anniversary as well. We will be hosting two world-famous ensembles that are visiting our country for the first time. After Adana, they will meet the art lovers in Istanbul.”.

In his speech, Lemi Bilgin, General Manager of State Theaters thanked the Sabanci Family and the Sabanci Foundation for their unfailing contribution to the festival since 1998. Bilgin said, “State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival further nourishes the opulent land of Cukurova, and we are truly proud and happy to have carried the event to its 15^th year. A harmonious cooperation focused on quality between Sabanci Foundation and State Theaters has played a major role in rendering the festival one of the most prestigious of its kind in the world in a very short period of time. Through our experience accumulated over time, we will reinforce our festival with new accomplishments each year”.  

Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Rutkay Aziz

“Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award” is offered every year to pay homage to masters who have played a profound role in the development of the art of drama. This year’s award went to the accomplished Turkish actor Rutkay Aziz.

23 Ensembles to Perform at the 15^th Anniversary of the Festival

The longest festival of Turkey with a full month of performances, the event hosts 23 ensembles, 16 of which are Turkish and the remaining 7 international. This year the festival hosts the most prominent international ensembles from Italy, India, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Georgia, Netherlands, and the UK.

Founded 400 years ago, one of the most rooted ensembles of the UK, Globe Theater will perform in Turkey for the first time within the framework of the Adana Theater Festival. A co-founder of the theater is world-famous British poet and playwright William Shakespeare. In celebration of the 15^th anniversary of the Festival, the ensemble will stage “King Lear”, one of the most momentous tragedies of the playwright, in Adana and at Saint Irene inIstanbul.

Adana, A Play Stage…

One of the most vivacious guests at the Festival is the Indian ensemble Taj Express who is visiting Turkey for the first time. Taj Express juxtaposes the popular culture in India with the rooted traditions of Bollywood culture in “Love Has a New Address”, taking spectators on a journey to India. The play will also be staged in Istanbul at Sabanci University Performing Arts Center on the night of April 1.

The CzechSrnec Black Light Theater, which is known to be the first ensemble in the world to stage “Black Theater”, will present “Antologia”, offering a distinctive experience to the spectators.

Macedonia’s Skopje National Institution of Turkish Theater will perform a contemporary family drama in “All My Sons”.

Other plays to be staged during the festival are Sadri Alisik Theater’s “Little Man, What Now?”, Talimhane Theater’s “It Felt Empty When the Heart Left First But It’s Alright Now”, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Theater’s “Rock of Turkey”, Ankara State Theater’s “Mother Courage and Her Children”, “Monsieur Amilcar” and “Hurrem the Sultan”, Trabzon State Theater’s “I, Feuerbach”, Istanbul State Theater’s “The Ugly One” and Ankara Art Theater’s “At the Last Minute”. Ankara State Theater will also perform “Paul Street Boys” for junior spectators.

The Dutch ensemble Close Act, which earned the admiration of spectators through their street shows in Adana in the past years, will stage the street show titled “Invasion” as this year’s closing performance on April 30, 2013.

You may check our festival catalogue to learn more about the plays.

Alternative theater performances by young artists

“Fuaye Young Stage Activities”, which met audiences for the first time last year, will present alternative theater performances to Adana’s theater lovers by hosting the youth ensembles in Turkey in this year’s festival as well.

The festival will also embody Workshops around a number of themes including dance, writing plays, eloquent and effective speech techniques, ortaoyunu - the touchstone of Traditional Turkish Theater, and shadow puppetry.

More than 60 thousand spectators per annum

Adana Theater Festival hosted 67 international theater ensembles from 35 countries and a total of 5.000 artists in the past 14 years. Including the local private theaters and State Theater’s plays, it has held a total of 248 plays and 525 performances. The festival to which spectators throng not only from Adana but from across Turkey, is viewed by more than 60 thousand spectators every year. 

14th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Sabanci International Theater Festival Opens Curtains With A Dazzling Show

Upon cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of State Theaters and the Sabanci Foundation, the 14^th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival kicked off on March 27, World Theater Day, with an amazing performance by Italian ensemble Studio Festi staged on the Seyhan River and Stone Bridge.

Viewed by thousands of citizens with great interest, the show titled  “World of Magical Dreams” featured breathtaking dance performances and shows built around the theme of ‘dreams’ and staged on a 300-m. steel cord on the Seyhan River.

The opening ceremony of the festival was held at the Adana HiltonSA hotel with the attendance of Ertugrul Gunay, Minister of Culture and Tourism; Idris Naim Sahin, Minister of Interior; Huseyin Avni Cos, Governor of Adana; Guler Sabanci, Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees; Husnu Pacacioglu, Vice Chair of the Sabanci Foundation; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; and Lemi Bilgin, General Manager of the State Theaters, in addition to many distinguished guests. The master of ceremony was actor Zafer Algoz, and the World Theater Day Declaration was read by Kenan Isik.

Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees Guler Sabanci noted in her speech that the World Theater Day marked the day to open ‘the curtains of understanding, friendship, unity, and solidarity, adding, ”When we launched this festival 14 years ago our goal was to transform Adana into a center of arts and culture. The people of Adana have uplifted the festival to this point through their unwavering attention and support. We almost experience a ‘theater mobilization’ event in our city every year.”

Adana Sets Example for Istanbul Through the Theater Festival

Extending her gratitude to the people of Adana who have shown great interest and bought out the festival tickets within a span of solely 3 hours, Guler Sabanci remarked, “Our festival, which has arranged for the opening and closing performances to reach out to more people, has turned out to be a true fiesta that is open to everyone. It has been so successful that it has set an example for other festivals. Following the festival that poured out to the streets in Adana, Istanbul has also carried its theater festival outdoors, which has been a major source of happiness for us. Setting a model for other festivals signals appreciation of what we do. We will keep on commissioning new projects that will set an example, and continue to improve our festival every year”.

In his speech, Lemi Bilgin, General Manager of State Theaters thanked the Sabanci Family and the Sabanci Foundation for their unfailing contribution to the festival since 1998. Bilgin said, “The 14^th State Theaters- Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival will once again host the manifestation of tolerance, friendship, peace and differences on the same stage. Brimming with the excitement, joy, and enthusiasm of the first year, we are going to bring the work of the most exquisite local and foreign theater ensembles to our audiences. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Adana who share our delight”.

Expressing happiness about the encounter between theater and people of Adana yet another time, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ertugrul Gunay said, “With an improved content and an ever-growing audience each year, the 14^th State Theaters Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival backs the brand equity of Adana. On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism I am very proud of the international accomplishment of the festivals that assume responsibility and are held yearly in various provinces of Turkey. I would like to extend my greetings to the State Theaters and the Sabanci Foundation for putting to life such a momentous festival, and take the opportunity to thank everyone who have played a role in its organization.”

Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Haldun Dormen

“Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award” is offered every year to pay homage to masters who have played a profound role in the development of the art of drama. This year’s award went to the accomplished Turkish actor Haldun Dormen.

Adana Theater Festival Opening in numbers

A huge team of 350 people and 15 rigs of equipment were commissioned for the opening of the Theater Festival on March 27.950 cubic meters of helium was used up for the giant balloons in the Studio Festi shows, whereas 12 kilometers of cable was laid around the festival space. The 450-square meter projector setup allowed viewers to follow the opening performances.

A chock full festival program

The Festival will lure art lovers to the magical world of theater by way of 22 plays by 17 Turkish and 5 international theater ensembles to last for a whole month. During the Festival, Sadri Alisik Theater’s “The Epic of Ali of Kesan”, Dostlar Theater’s “I, Bertolt Brecht”, Duru Theater’s “After the End”, Aysa Production Theater’s  “The Wedding ”, Shaman Dance Ensemble’s  “Istanbul”, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theater’s “the Eastern Dentist”, Ankara State Theater’s  “Apple Thieves”, “A Cold Berlin Night”, and “Glass Menagerie”, Istanbul State Theater’s “Urine Town” and “Red” plays will meet audiences. Chaliwate Theater from Belgium will stage the play “Josephina” whereas the Spanish Kulunka Theater and Chinese Children’s Opera will perform“Andre and Dorine” and “Little Red Flowers” respectively. Haci Omer Sabanci Cultural Center in Adana will host the plays.

A Young Perspective at the Festival

State Theaters – Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival is opening its doors to young ensembles for the first time this year. Bursa State Theater’s “A One-Man Life”, Altidan Sonra Theater’s “444”, 0.2 Theater Ensemble’s “Lemonade”, Ankara State Theater’s “Contrabass” and “May I Have a Fly-Sized Husband to Watch Over Me”, “Ve Diger Seyler” Theater Ensemble’s “A Century’s Love” plays will meet theater lovers. The young artists will perform their plays on the “Foyer Stage” of Adana State Theater, which hosts alternative works.

As the second leg of the event has been taking place in Istanbul since 2005, 6 plays will be performed at the Sabanci University Performing Arts Center to share the joy of theater with art lovers of Istanbul.

The host for street shows: Stone Bridge

The two thousand-year-old Stone Bridge, which has come to symbolize the city, shall host the street shows to take place during the Festival. Between April 7–15, 2012, the Stone Bridge will serve as the venue for Hacivat-Karagoz shadow puppetry, pantomime, dance, music, folk dances, marionette, and fire shows. Live statues and calligraphy exhibitions will further perk up the Stone Bridge.

The closing of the 14^th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival will feature a street show on April 29, 2012. The Dutch Close Act Ensemble, which performed an outstanding show named “Malaya” last year, will perform their street show “Pi Leau” this time, following an itinerary that goes all the way from Ataturk Park to the Train Station.

The only international theater festival to last for a full month, Adana Theater Festival turns Adana into a meeting venue for the world through theater. In the last 13 years of the Festival, foreign ensembles from all continents of the world, private ensembles from Turkey, city theaters, and State Theaters have delighted more than 250.000 art lovers through 221 plays.

13th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Sabanci International Theater Festival Kicks Off With A Glamorous Show

Upon cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of State Theaters and Sabanci Foundation, the 13th State Theater- Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival kicked off on March 27, World Theater Day, with an astounding opening show staged on the Seyhan River and Stone Bridge by Italian ensemble Studio Festi.

Studio Festi’s show “Water Symphony” was greeted by thousands of people with great enthusiasm.

The opening ceremony of the festival was held at the Adana HiltonSA hotel with the attendance of Ertugrul Gunay, Minister of Culture and Tourism; Ilhan Atis, Governor of Adana; Guler Sabanci, Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees; Husnu Pacacıoglu, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation and Lemi Bilgin, General Manager of State Theaters, in addition to many distinguished guests. The master of ceremony was the actor Zafer Algoz.

Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees Guler Sabanci noted in her speech that as people of Anatolia, a cradle of several cultures, they bore significant responsibility for the dissemination of culture and arts around Turkey. Sabanci underscored the Foundation’s efforts to increase the number of art viewers in Turkey and to ensure future generations to embrace the cultural legacy. She also remarked that the Foundation was content to contribute to the promotion of the cultural wealth of Anatolia to the rest of the world.

Asserting that the Festival integrates more with the city of Adana each year, Sabanci added, "Today our city Adana is taking firm steps to transform to an international center for arts and culture. We feel proud to open a window to the world through the bountiful land of Adana thanks to the State Theater-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival".

General Manager of State Theaters, Lemi Bilgin who took the floor at the ceremony said, "We feel proud to organize the 13th Adana Theater Festival this year, an event that elevates human values by way of arts. The Festival, which commenced on March 27, World Theater Day, represents the first loop of the State Theater festival chain.

We are very happy to present the ensembles from various countries who exhibit the most exquisite examples of their cultures here. As life flows at dizzying speed, such festivals add meaning to our lives. We want to take this opportunity to thank art lovers of Adana for cherishing and embracing arts."

Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ertugrul Gunay, expressed the success of international festivals organized in various provinces of Turkey. "I would like to thank Sabanci Family and Sabanci Foundation for their ongoing support for State Theaters Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival, and to everyone else who have enabled the staging of various local and foreign works of theater to meet the audiences".

Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Gulriz Sururi

“Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award” has been offered since 2005 to pay homage to masters who have played a profound role in the development of the art of drama. This year’s award went to Gulriz Sururi.

A Fantastic Closing from 13th Adana Theater Festival

State Theaters- 13th Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival bid farewell to Adana art lovers with a splendid show.

An international theater ensemble, Close Act from the Netherlands, staged a glorious show that integrated with the spectators with its impressive cast composed of dancers, musicians, acrobats as well as giant props and remarkable costumes. Creating a fantastic atmosphere independent of time and space, Close Act staged an unforgettable performance titled “Malaya” on the streets of Adana.

The show that set out from Ataturk Park and ended in the Train Station featured an oracle in the leading role and a cart that was triggered by a metal globe and that carried passengers from the future. The passengers resorted not only to insanity and aggression but also to beauty and charm as means of self-expression, and they embarked on an adventurous journey with the leadership of the oracle and the participation of the viewers.

Great drama from “My Poplar in a Red Scarf” to “Anna Karenina”

Among works performed during the festival were Chinghiz Aitmatov’s unforgettable “My Poplar in a Red Scarf” by the Gabit Musrepov Kazakhstan State Theater Child and Youth; “Electra” by the National Theatre "Radu Stanca" Sibiu from Romania; “Enigma Variations” by the Vakhtangov Theater from Russia; “The Crime of Cura Tato” by the Plankton Theater Collective from Chili, “Anna Karenina” by the Anzelika Cholina Dance Theater from Lithuania and “Malaya” by the Close Act Theater from Netherlands.

Other performances staged at the festival include “The Diary of a Mad Man”, “Karbala” and “Eleven Snapshots from Nazim Hikmet's Human Landscapes from My Country” by the Ankara State Theater; “Bury the Dead” by the Istanbul State Theater; “House of Leyla” by Theatre Kare; “Flame Days” by Istanbul Public Theater; “Woman and Officer” by Besiktas Culture Center; “Uncle Vanya” by Theatre Studio; “Dress Rehearsal for a Suicide” by the Istanbul Municipal Theater and “Azizlikler (Where are we going?)” by the Dostlar Theatre.

461 artists from 17 ensembles (10 local and 7 foreign) performed outdoor shows as well as street shows during the opening and closing of the festival, whereas the rest of the plays took stage at Adana Haci Omer Sabanci Cultural Center again this year. As the Festival’s second leg has been held in Istanbul since 2005, five plays were staged at Sabanci University Performing Arts Center.

The festival which enjoyed great attention from day one has attracted more than 60.000 viewers this year.

12th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

The Sabanci International Theater Festival Begins With A Spectacular Show

Held with the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the General Directorate of State Theaters and the Sabanci Foundation, the 12th State Theaters Sabanci International Theater Festival began on March 27th, World Theater Day, with a spectacular show by the Italian Studio Festi ensemble.

Studio Festi is known across the world with their fascinating visual performances and dramatic creations orchestrated in city centers, natural surroundings and historical sites, and their show for the Festival opening viewed by thousands of people with great interest.

The one-hour “Concert for Elements” performed on the Seyhan River featured Studio Festi dancers defying gravity atop huge planets and model ships rising to the sky.  Dancing with fire, water sphere choreographies and the fireworks show were among other captivating spectacles performed by the group.

The opening ceremony of the festival was held at the Adana HiltonSA hotel with the attendance of Ertugrul Gunay, Minister of Culture and Tourism; Ilhan Atis, Governor of Adana; Guler Sabanci, Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees; Husnu Pacacıoğlu, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; and Lemi Bilgin, General Manager of State Theaters, in addition to many distinguished guests.

The State Theaters-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival reaches more than 20 thousand spectators every year, and features 21 performances by 12 foreign and 6 Turkish ensembles this year.  In addition, 5 ensembles will perform their plays at the Sabanci University Performing Arts Center, bringing the festival spirit to Istanbul.

General Manager of State Theaters Lemi Bilgin said, “We are proud to have the 12th Theater Festival in Adana.  Starting on World Theater Day, this festival is first in a series of festivals by the State Theaters.  We are as excited as we had been a decade ago.  We are delighted to be depicting the sacred face of drama.

We are happy to blend peoples and traditions of various countries.  Finally, we are blissful that art is making its mark on the fertile lands of Adana.  We would like to thank the people of Adana for supporting drama and their festival.”

Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees Guler Sabanci noted their pleasure in helping thousands of people enjoy drama through the State Theaters-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival, which she said was supported by the foundation to help spread the outreach of social, cultural and artistic events in Turkey and uphold traditional values.

Sabanci added that the State Theaters-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival breathed new life into the artistic and cultural facet of Adana, and said, "I am proud that what began as a local event is now an international festival.  This is an important step in making Adana a center for culture and the arts," and continued, "The Stone Bridge is a part of the festival again.  The festival is now a part of the way the people of Adana live."

Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertugrul Gunay expressed his pride in the success of international festivals held in various cities of Turkey, and continued, “I would like to thank the Sabanci family and the Sabanci Foundation for their customary and unlimited support of the State Theaters International Adana Theater Festival, and everyone who plays a part in enabling these select works of drama meet wide audiences.”

The master of ceremonies for the night was actor Ali Dusenkalkar, and the World Theater Day Declaration was read by Derya Keyf.

Sakıp Sabanci Lifelong Achievement Award Goes to Musfik Kenter

The Sakip Sabanci Lifelong Achievement Award is being given since 2005 to recognize and pay homage to the masters of the art of drama.  The Sakip Sabanci Lifelong Achievement Award 2010 went to Musfik Kenter.

Speaking at the ceremony, Musfik Kenter said, "I am honored and proud.  Speaking onstage is something; speaking at this ceremony is something alltogether different."

The 12th Adana Theater Festival Concluded with a Musical Carnival

The 12th State Theaters-Sabanci Adana Theater Festival concluded with carnival in the streets: The French Transe-Express Theater, performing for the first time in Turkey, began its street spectacle “Freedom of Violins” at the Ataturk Park, and ended at the train station, offering an unforgettable experience to spectators.

The rhythmic cortege accompanied by vocalists melted into the crowd, playing electronic music like a medieval techno parade. Suspended by an outsized pendulum, two acrobats alternately beat the hide of a vast drum, while violinists suspended 100 feet in the air caused suspense to linger in the air.

The 12th State Theaters-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival began on March 27th, World Theater Day, and hosted 11 foreign groups from 9 countries in addition to three state theater ensembles, three private theaters and one municipal theater, who performed 21 plays in total.

Foreign participants of the festival were: France: Théatre de la Huchette and Trans-Express Street Theater; Germany: Theater Freiburg; Switzerland: Markus Zohner Theater; Japan: Pappa Tarahumara Theater; Cuba: La Luna and Unforgettable Women Theaters; Republic of Tuva: Tuva State Music and Drama Theater; Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: Nicosia Municipal Theater; Spain: Tatiana Garrido Flamenco Ensemble and Italy: Studio Festi.

Domestic performers were the Kenter Theater, Dostlar Theater, AYSA Production Theater, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Theater, Ankara State Theater, Istanbul State Theater and Konya State Theater.

Stage plays were performed at the Haci Omer Sabanci Cultural Center, while outdoor performances appealed to a greater number of viewers: In addition to the opening performance of the Italian Studio Festi ensemble on the Stone Bridge, the Spanish flamenco group performed their “Fuego y Arena” show at the Central Park, and the closing performance by the French ensemble Transe Express was staged at the Ataturk Park and the train station.  The Stone Bridge hosted other events during the festival.  In addition, two foreign and three domestic ensembles staged their plays at the Sabanci University Performing Arts Center in Istanbul, drawing audiences from Istanbul into the festival spirit.

11th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

The Opening Ceremony of the "11th State Theater-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival" was held on 27th of March, “World Theaters Day”. The festival, which is organized with the cooperation of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will be hosting many national and international theater groups between March 27 and April 30.

At the opening ceremony, worldwide famous Spanish group “Comediants” performed their play “Dimonis”. The performance, which included fire dances, dragons and fireworks, turned into an extraordinarily fascinating show. The slogan of the event was “Moving the Theater Festival to the streets”.

The opening ceremony of the festival was held in Adana Hiltonsa with the attendance of Ms. Guler Sabanci, Sabanci Foundation's President of Board of Trustees; Ms. Dilek Sabanci, Board Member; Lemi Bilgin, State Theaters General Manager and İlhan Atis, Adana Governor.

In her opening speech, Ms. Guler Sabanci said: “Since the beginning of the festival, each year we are trying to improve it. This is what Late Sakip Sabanci would have wanted from us. We achieved this success with the support of Mr. Ertugrul Gunay, Culture and Tourism Minister. Last year, the tickets were sold out in an hour. We will always get better with the support of Adana citizens.” Referring to the slogan of the festival this year which is “Moving the Theater Festival to the streets” Ms. Guler Sabanci said: “With the new developments this year, I am proud to announce that the festival has come to a new level.”

Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award Goes To Genco Erkal

Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award that has been offered since 2005 to pay homage to masters who have played a profound role in the development of the art of drama was presented to the accomplished Turkish actor Genco Erkal. Erkal, who received his award from the Sabanci Foundation’s President of the Board of Trustees Ms. Guler Sabanci, said during his speech that he has made it a habit to come to Adana at least once every year throughout his 50-year career to present one of his company’s productions. He said: “I have always admired the maturity, perceptiveness and the high quality of theatergoers in Adana.” Recalling his company’s performance at the opening of the inaugural festival 10 years ago, Erkal said: “We opened the first festival with Nazim Hikmet’s ‘My People’. The late Sakip Sabanci, after watching the play from the front row, congratulated me with a hug in his unique enthusiasm. I am proud to be receiving this valuable award that was named after him, honoring the 50 years I have left behind.”

Throughout the festival, which attracts an audience of 20,000 people every year, 17 groups will perform 19 plays. In addition, 6 groups will perform their plays at Sabanci University Performing Arts Center in Istanbul.

“11th State Theater-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival” ended on April 30 with a street show called “Bivouac” performed by a French band called “Generik Vapeur”. The closing show started when members of Generik Vapeur started to suspend themselves from ropes down high up in the second story of the Train Station in Adana. Having painted their faces, arms and legs blue, the performers then started to march onwards to Ataturk Street in accompaniment of barrels carried or rolled by them and under fireworks. Lots of citizens marched along with the band during the performance, applauding them. The band members then arrived at Ataturk Park. The performance finished when the band members overturned lots of barrels placed on top of each other there.

10th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

The "10th State Theater-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival" hosted many national and international theater groups between March 27 and April 27. The festival was organized with the cooperation of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkish State Theaters General Directorate and Sabanci Foundation. The opening ceremony of the Festival was held in Haci Omer Sabanci Culture Centre in attendance of Ms. Guler Sabanci, Sabanci Foundation's President of Board of Trustees and Ertugrul Gunay, the Minister of Culture and Tourism.

Throughout the festival, which attracts an audience of 20,000 people every year, 15 groups staged their plays and 7 of these groups were foreign theaters. In addition, 3 foreign and 2 local theater groups staged their plays in Sabanci University Performing Arts Center in Istanbul.

Sakip Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award Goes To Yildiz Kenter

At the opening ceremony of this year’s festival, Sakip Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the accomplished Turkish actress Yildiz Kenter. Receiving the award, Yildiz Kenter expressed her happiness and stated that the ceremony was very important for her.

09th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

The "9th State Theater-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival" hosted many national and international theater groups between March 27 and April 30. The festival was organized with the cooperation of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkish State Theaters General Directorate and Sabanci Foundation. The opening ceremony of the Festival was held in Haci Omer Sabanci Culture Centre in attendance of Ms. Guler Sabanci, Sabanci Foundation's President of Board of Trustees and Mr. Huseyin Celik, the Minister of National Education. "Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award" was presented to Mr. Bozkurt Kuruc in the opening ceremony.

Throughout the festival, which attracts an audience of 20,000 people every year, 18 groups staged their plays. 7 of these groups were foreign while 5 of them were from national state theaters, 1 from national municipality theater and 5 from national private theaters. In addition, 2 foreign and 3 local theater groups staged their plays in Sabanci University Performing Arts Center in Istanbul.

Another groundbreaking news of the night was that European Theatre Convention (ETC) annual board meeting took place in Adana for the first time. ETC officials participated in the festival with the observer status.

Sakip Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award Goes To Bozkurt Kuruc

Within the frame of the festival, Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award has been offered since 2005 to pay homage to masters who have played a profound role in the development of the art of drama. This year’s award was presented to the accomplished Turkish actor Bozkurt Kuruc.

08th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Throughout the "8th State Theater-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival”, favorite plays from Turkish theater, various concerts, and  distinguished representations of Denmark and Swiss art of drama were performed in Sabanci Culture Centre in Adana and Sabanci University Performing Arts Center. The festival was organized in Adana with the cooperation of Haci Omer Sabanci Foundation-Sabanci Foundation, Turkish State Theaters and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

"Casablanca", one of the popular plays of recent times, staged by Tiyatro Kedi, "Tartuffe" staged by Kocaeli City Theater and "Natalie", starring Zuhal Olcay and Tilbe Saran were the favorites of the festival audience.

18 theater groups performed their talents, including many well-respected Turkish theaters in addition to several theater groups from Denmark (Letter and Art of Death), Switzerland (Hello Tomorrow), Egypt, Kyrgyzstan (King Lear) and Germany (Scheherazade). The Festival inaugurated on March 27 with the play "SHADOW OF THE DONKEY" written by Haldun Taner and directed by Halil Akarsu. Along with the opening ceremony, 25th year celebration events of Adana State Theater also took a start.

Sakip Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award Goes To Macide Tanir

At the opening ceremony, Ms. Guler Sabanci, the President of the Board of Trustees of Sabanci Holding, presented the "Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award" to Ms. Macide Tanir. Ms. Sabanci said that Sabanci Theater Festival, which has commenced at a national level eight years ago, has now reached an international level. Pointing out that they have made an investment worth one billion dollars in social areas, Ms. Guler Sabanci continued as: "they say, 'Bravo'...that's it. It is the will of our fathers that we will give back what we got from this land."

07th State Theaters - Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival

Haci Omer Sabanci Foundation organized the 7th State Theater-Sabanci International Adana Theater Festival in cooperation with Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Foundation of State Theaters in Adana. The Festival began with the play "Siginti" ("Unwanted") staged by Ankara State Theater.

17 groups in total attended the Festival to make performances, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Theater, Adana State Theater, Aksanat, Tiyatro Istanbul, Ankara State Theater, Eskisehir Metropolitan Municipality Theater, Istanbul State Theater, Theater Pera, Dostlar Theater, Ankara Art Theater, Kenterler Theater and Zuhal Olcay Concert as well as 5 foreign theaters from Romania, Greece, Italy, Russia and USA.

Foreign groups under the Festival also attended the events in Sabanci University in Istanbul, performing their plays. Having entertained an audience of 17,000 guests, the festival contributed much to the cultural cooperation thanks to joint efforts by local and foreign theaters at the same time.

Sakip Sabancı Lifetime Achievement Award Goes To Cuneyt Gokcer

The first "Sakip Sabanci Lifetime Achievement Award" on the commemoration of Mr. Sakip Sabanci was presented to Ms. Ayten Gokcer, who accepted the award on behalf of her husband Mr. Cuneyt Gokcer.