Hayalî’nin Hayali Meets Audiences at Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres is staging Hayalî’nin Hayali for the first time, addressing the population exchange and the tradition of Karagöz.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres presents the theatrical play titled Hayalî’nin Hayali, written by Burçak Çöllü and directed by Yiğit Sertdemir, to theatre lovers. The work brings the traces of the population exchange and human solidarity to the stage.
The Stage Journey of the Play
Prepared within the body of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres, the play Hayalî’nin Hayali meets audiences at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage. The work draws attention with its structure that blends shadow play, puppet shows, and original music.
Historical Wounds and the Theme of Population Exchange
Starting from the memory of a Karagöz and puppet artist who held his jubilee performance in 1965, the story reaches back to the 1924 population exchange. Centering on one of history's major wounds, the work carries the traces of the past to the present.
Views of Director Yiğit Sertdemir
Director Yiğit Sertdemir states that the work approaches values that constitute human existence—such as childhood, family, art, and fairy tales—with affection. Sertdemir emphasizes that they aim to touch displaced hearts with love.
Strong Cast of Actors
Featuring a large cast, the production includes many names such as Ali Mert Yavuzcan, Barış Çağatay Çakıroğlu, Caner Bilginer, Cem Baza, Dolunay Pircioğlu, and Rozet Hubeş. The actors deliver unforgettable performances on stage.
Artistic Team and Design
While Burçak Çöllü undertakes the music of the play, its dramaturgy is done by Sinem Özlek, choreography by Senem Oluz, and set design by Metin Deniz. Candan Seda Balaban holds the signature for costume and puppet design.
Subject and Essence of the Work
Hayalî Tacettin Çınar, who has performed Karagöz for over forty years, tells the story of the exchangees with his master Mehmet Yorgi on his jubilee night. In the play where shadows take flesh and bone, fear, hope, and laughter are handled together.