THEATRE
(Publication
Date: 28 March 2007)
It needs only three
things:
1)
An auditorium where the audience sits and watches the play; 2) A stage where the play is performed; 3) The backstage area or wings, located at the sides and behind the stage, where various sets and props are kept.
***
I was going to address this subject on Monday, but I had a very different topic on my agenda, so I mentioned shadow theatre only in one sentence in that column.
As you know, the International Theatre Institute, founded in 1948, decided in 1961 to designate 27 March as World Theatre Day.
The countries that are members of this institute celebrate every 27 March as Theatre Day.
On 27 March, a statement prepared by the artists and theatre professionals of each country is read on stage.
*
This year, the National World Theatre Day Statement was prepared by State Artist Bozkurt KURUÇ.
So I am dedicating my column today to theatre, a part of life and one of the most compelling branches of the fine arts, and consequently to the statement prepared by Mr Kuruç.
In addition to raising public awareness about theatre, these statements, published every year, reflect the feelings, definitions and sense of importance of those involved in it.
Without further ado, here is this year’s statement.
Here is the “World Theatre Day” Statement of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) Turkey National Centre for this year: Theatre is a performing art that brings all the arts together. Like music, it appeals not only to the emotions but also to the mind. Like literature, it uses not only words but, most concretely, human beings, and makes their voices heard through their own voices.
Theatre is an art form that tells us about people, to people, through people; for this reason, the whole world is a stage, theatre itself.
Although some people with certain mindsets, who dislike theatre’s nature, have wanted to abolish its existence, they have always lost.
The school-based theatre established in 1949 at the direction of the Great Atatürk has brought undeniable benefits both to its own development and to the development of society. The number of playwrights, the increase in the number of theatre halls, and the graduation of dozens of young actors from schools every year are by no means insignificant… Even if they are few, sociocultural environments have now taken shape in some of our cities…
However, this kind of artistic development can survive only with material and moral support.
Leaders and individuals who understand the value and function of theatre support it with this understanding, and this has been the case for centuries.
All those who govern and are governed on earth!.. Love theatre, stand by it, support it. Theatre brings to light secrets you cannot even tell yourself; it purifies a person.
Do not forget!.. Theatre is a whole, made up of its artists and audience, and that is where its strength comes from.
Despite all the conditions prevailing in the world, I call on theatre practitioners who continue their art without losing the enthusiasm in their hearts, theatre lovers who never leave them alone, and all those who devote their lives to the path of modern civilization, to join hands once more and stand shoulder to shoulder, and I offer them my deepest respect.
Bozkurt KURUÇ
State Artist
2007
*
As someone who once spent some time involved in theatre, I offer my deepest respect and affection to those in our country who make time for theatre, those who work to keep this art alive, and all the institutions and organizations that support it.
Even if I am a day late, happy Theatre Day…
See you on Friday…
Be respectful in traffic!
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