Turkish State Theatres, National theatre institution in Ulus, Ankara, Turkey.
Turkish State Theatres is the national theatre body of Turkey, headquartered in Ankara and operating stages in several major cities around the country. Its programme covers classical drama, contemporary plays, and productions aimed at younger audiences.
The body was formally established in 1949, building on earlier state theatre initiatives that had begun in the 1930s under the early Turkish Republic. Carl Ebert, a German director who came to Turkey during that period, helped shape its artistic approach in the founding years.
Performances are given in Turkish, covering both classical works and stories drawn from everyday life in Turkey. The stages across the country give local audiences a place where their own language and concerns are front and center.
The main office is in Ankara, but shows take place at theatres across Turkey, so it is worth checking which city and venue suits your plans. Programmes change throughout the season, so looking up current listings before your visit saves time.
A partnership with Türk Telekom allows performances to be broadcast to audiences who cannot reach any of the physical venues. This means that people in more remote parts of Turkey can follow the same productions as regular theatregoers in the larger cities.
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