BBŞT Trainee Play Festival Begins

The Trainee Play Festival organized by the Bornova Municipality City Theater (BBŞT) has officially begun. Running until May 31, the festival will feature a total of 24 performances from groups of children, adults, and municipal staff trainees across 8 different plays. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that theater is a powerful medium for connecting with society and announced that all performances would be free of charge.

8 Plays, 24 Performances, All Free

The annual BBŞT Trainee Play Festival, organized by Bornova Municipality City Theater, returns this year to delight theater lovers. Continuing until May 31, the festival showcases 8 different plays prepared by adult, child, and municipal personnel trainees. The performances will be held across three venues: Sevda Şener Stage at the Uğur Mumcu Culture and Art Center, Çamdibi Nedret Güvenç Stage, and BBŞT Academy, totaling 24 performances.

“The Leg Factory” Received Standing Ovation

The festival opened with the play The Leg Factory, directed by Hakan Onat. This classic of Turkish socially conscious theater, written by Sermet Çağan in 1963, received high praise from the audience with its satirical take on exploitative ruling powers. The two-act play was performed to a full house at the Sevda Şener Stage.

Mayor Eşki: “Trainees Illuminate Our Future on Stage”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that BBŞT is not only a theater school but also a space for solidarity and expression.

Recalling that he too was a BBŞT trainee during his university years, Mayor Eşki said:

“We see theater not merely as an art form, but as one of the strongest tools for democracy, critical thinking, and social awareness. While our trainees showcase their talents on stage, they also shed light on the cultural future of our city. Access to culture and the arts is a right for all. In Bornova, no curtain opens only for a select few. Every citizen should be able to see themselves on these stages and express themselves. Today, we also remember with respect and gratitude our beloved mentor Rafet Gücoğlu, who is no longer with us but always lives in our hearts.”

Children and Municipal Staff Take the Stage

The festival is not limited to adult performers; children and municipal personnel trainees are also given the chance to experience the stage. The children’s plays Rise, My Sun, Rise and Narina’s Adventure will be performed in matinée sessions on May 24, 25, and 31. The play The Last Night of Artesimis, staged by municipal staff, will be performed over four days from May 22–25 at the Sevda Şener Stage.

Festival Finale with “Cycle”

The festival will close with the Cycle Dance Theater Trainee Performance, to be staged at BBŞT Academy on May 28 and 31. Other noteworthy plays in the festival include Our Brave Miksha and Greedy Youth, promising a diverse and engaging theatrical experience.