“Count Öderland” Received a Standing Ovation

An Unforgettable Night by BBST on World Theatre Day

Bornova Municipality City Theatre staged “Count Öderland” on March 27, World Theatre Day, receiving great acclaim from the audience. As part of the event, a backstage exhibition was opened and manifestos were read, emphasizing the importance of theatre. Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that they aim to establish a more modern and high-quality “prestige stage” in Bornova.

Bornova Municipality City Theatre (BBST) presented Swiss writer Max Frisch’s “Count Öderland” as part of World Theatre Day celebrations on March 27, offering the audience an unforgettable evening. Held at Uğur Mumcu Cultural and Art Center Sevda Şener Stage, the event was highly appreciated both for its stage performance and its special program dedicated to the day.

Backstage effort made visible through exhibition

Before the play, a “Backstage Workshop Exhibition” prepared by the trainees of BBST Stage Designer İlker Şahin was opened during a cocktail reception. The exhibition featured costumes, masks, set designs, and photographs. Afterwards, BBST trainees Metehan Çelik and Beste Kabasakal read the National Manifesto prepared by Metin Deniz, the International Manifesto by Willem Dafoe, the alternative manifesto by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süreyya Karacabey, and the BBST manifesto by Arzu Leylak.

Mayor Ömer Eşki attended the evening with his wife Beste Eşki and their son Noyan Volkan. After visiting the exhibition, they watched the play and, along with the audience, gave the performance a long standing ovation.

Mayor Eşki: “This stage is the heart of Bornova’s theatre dream”

In his speech, Mayor Ömer Eşki celebrated World Theatre Day and shared his personal connection with BBST. Emphasizing that he has been involved in theatre since 2004, he recalled working behind the scenes and noted that the venue holds special meaning for him.

Eşki stated that they envision a more qualified stage in Bornova, adding that the planned new structure will be a “prestige stage” and a temple of theatre. He also mentioned that the current building hosted its last March 27 event and expressed their goal of meeting audiences in a more modern and ambitious theatre space in the future. He added that Bornova is one of İzmir’s strongest centers for theatre.

Hakan Taner Yıldırım: “Being on stage on March 27 is the greatest joy”

Director Hakan Taner Yıldırım noted that he has been part of the same stage in various roles for nearly 30 years, describing BBST as a family. Emphasizing the significance of March 27 for theatre professionals, he said, “The worst thing that can happen to an actor is not being on stage today,” highlighting the value of meeting the audience on this meaningful day.

Onur Erdoğan: “We continue to produce despite challenges”

BBST General Artistic Director Onur Erdoğan stated that despite the closure of theatre departments in many district municipalities across Turkey, activities in Bornova continue uninterrupted. He added that they keep producing under the umbrella of the Department of Culture and thanked the administration for their support.

Ümit Tunçağ: “BBST will continue to make a name for itself in Turkey”

Ümit Tunçağ, who served as Cultural and Arts Advisor to Bornova Municipality between 2010 and 2017, highlighted the deep-rooted structure of BBST and the Department of Culture. He expressed that the institution will continue to gain recognition across Turkey for many years and thanked everyone who contributed.

Count Öderland: Freedom, system, and the individual conflict

One of Max Frisch’s significant works, “Count Öderland” centers on the pressures of modern society and the individual’s search for freedom. The play tells the story of a respected prosecutor who, upon realizing the meaninglessness of his life, abandons the system and transforms into a legendary figure.

Themes such as the conflict between the individual and the system, the legitimacy of violence, and existential questioning come to the forefront. The question of where one can find freedom is conveyed to the audience through a narrative where reality and imagination intertwine.

Credits

Playwright: Max Frisch
Translator: Şebnem Sunar
Director: Hakan Taner Yıldırım
Assistant Director: Ozan Gökmen
Dramaturgs: Selda Uzunkaya – Arzu Leylak
Set Design: İlker Şahin
Set & Props Implementation: Öykü Karapirli
Costume Design: Duygu Mutlu
Music: Gökay Kaçanoğlu
Choreography: Jülide Derya Güngör
Costume Implementation: Şükran Vilken
Lighting: Ercan Gülmez
Poster Design: Alpgiray Kelem

Cast: Murat Niyazi Emre, Ege Kesmeci Çiftçi, Gizem Karasu, Kağan Uluca, Hakan Onat, Fahrettin Esen, Can Kurşunlu, Jülide Kara, Tilbe Taşlı, Rıza Hürkan Ünal, Yusuf Ulaş Palabıyık

Assistants: Melda Tarhancı, Aleyna Cingil, Melike Boral
Costume Assistant: İrem Çağlar
Stage Manager: Engin Doğan
Stage Technicians: Hüseyin Işık, Muharrem Sönmez
Technical Coordinator: Azat Serhat Koca
Art Coordinator: Polat İnangül
General Artistic Director: Onur Erdoğan