Curtains open: First sounds of the new season

Umit GÜÇLÜ

Despite the pressures of economic hardship and the political agenda, theater stages are once again turning on their lights. The 2025-2026 season is already generating interest with its strong cast, contemporary issues, and diverse interpretations.

Each new season is a rebirth for theater. Amidst the crowds on the street, the hustle and bustle of daily life, and the harsh rhythm of politics, a light shines; the curtain opens, and the audience steps into another world. Even in challenging economic times, the audience, who have remained on stage, continues to share in the collective memory of theater this year. For theater is the shared memory not only of those on stage but also of those who watch; it offers sometimes a refuge, sometimes a space for confrontation.

And perhaps most importantly, theatre exists through solidarity. Those who labor under challenging conditions, the stages that open their doors, and the audiences who flock to the plays—they are all part of this collective journey. Every applause is a tribute not just to a play, but to this shared endeavor.

Six plays, each with striking plots and strong casts, are already making their mark in the new season. News from behind the scenes and rumors from rehearsals are highlighting the season's most talked-about productions.

• Open Relationship (DasDas)

"Accessible Relationship," adapted by Mert Fırat and Binnur Kaya from Dario Fo and Franca Rame's series of women's plays, opens to theatergoers on September 5th. It explores inequality between men and women in marriage, gender roles, and double standards in relationships with a wry and entertaining narrative. Through the performances, the play invites audiences to identify with the characters and rethink the boundaries of modern relationships, trust, and connection. This play, both laughter-inducing and thought-provoking, encourages audiences to reevaluate their own relationships and societal expectations.

• Don Quixote Musical (Çolpan İlhan & Sadri Alışık Theatre – Piu Entertainment)

Selçuk Yöntem and Zuhal Olcay reunite on stage after a long break, bringing Cervantes' immortal hero to the stage and reminding us of the importance of dreams, ideals, and individual courage. Directed by Işıl Kasapoğlu, the musical "Don Quixote" stars Yöntem as Don Quixote, Olcay as Aldonza, and Cengiz Bozkurt as Sancho Panza. Featuring a cast of 30 actors and dancers, along with a 15-piece live orchestra, the production will premiere at Zorlu PSM on September 30th. With its impressive stage design, the musical promises an unforgettable experience.

• The Other Death of Joan of Arc (Tiyatroadam)

Tiyatroadam's new season, "The Other Death of Joan of Arc," written by Stefan Tsanev, brings to the stage a masterful comedy that explores human dignity, intrigue, betrayal, the struggle for freedom and independence; the chasm between the people and those in power; and how patriotism and religion have been used as tools of exploitation throughout history. Directed by Deniz Özmen and featuring Berk Yaygın, Deniz Özmen, and Pelin Abay, the production will premiere on September 27th at Baba Sahne.

• Shabbaz (Theater Dream)

Ahmet Sami Özbudak, one of the most original and creative writers of modern theatre today, brings together tradition and innovation with Şebbaz. The play, through its scenery and characters, illuminates both individual and societal themes. Directed by Emrah Eren, the play is brought to the stage by the powerful performances of veteran actors Erdem Akakçe and Fatih Koyunoğlu. Mehmet and Turna, paired with the Dragon and Fish figures designed by Master Mesut, rediscover their childhood friendship and postponed dreams on stage. Şebbaz, which will open at BabaSahne on October 4th, blends the Karagöz tradition with the contemporary theatrical language, combining screen and fantasy, light and form. With Özbudak's creative narrative and Eren's direction, it is already generating curiosity as a production that pushes the boundaries of contemporary theatre.

• A Woman's Fights and Transformations (Fashion Scene)

Adapted from Édouard Louis's play of the same name, A Woman's Struggles and Transformations connects women's personal struggles with social transformations, evoking empathy in the audience through the stage performances and prompting discussions on issues of gender and justice. The production, which will premiere as part of the Istanbul Theatre Festival at the Moda Stage on October 25, 2025, is directed by Kemal Aydoğan and features a standout performance by Onur Ünsal.

• Witch's Cauldron (Eskişehir City Theatres)

Arthur Miller's classic, The Witch's Crucible, is being staged under the direction of Murat Karasu and featuring performances by the Eskişehir City Theatre. The play brings the concepts of authority, fear, and justice to the present day through a historical perspective. This production offers the audience an opportunity to understand both a particular era and the current political and social climate. The witch hunt can be considered the foundation of the social mechanisms of lynching and prejudice that are frequently discussed today.