In the rapidly evolving digital era, innovative mediums continue to alter the landscape of performing arts. One such bold initiative is the 'Dijital Sahne' (Digital Stage) project by Zorlu PSM, an acclaimed performance venue in Turkey, which has been brilliantly directed and adapted by Ibrahim Çiçek, one of the most audacious figures of contemporary Turkish theatre.
'Dijital Sahne' addresses age-old issues through a novel, abstract lens. The stage and costume design, masterminded by Skenograf Ceyda Balaban, step away from conventional theatre aesthetics and offer a refreshing visual experience. Documented in a cinematic style by video director Gizem Kızıl, the project blurs the line between traditional theatre and the digital realm, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Aided by the contributions of Based Istanbul and Türk Tuborg A.Ş., Zorlu PSM's 'Dijital Sahne' brings scenes from classic plays to life on the digital stage. Each week, a different cultural text is skillfully reinterpreted and performed by the powerhouse actors of the Turkish theatre scene. The series provides a modern outlook on classic works, offering a unique approach to narrative storytelling that is both innovative and engaging.
The series kicked off with 'Hamlet', one of the most staged plays in world history by William Shakespeare. Following this auspicious start, 'Dijital Sahne' featured a selection of Shakespeare's well-loved plays including 'Twelfth Night', 'Romeo and Juliet', 'The Taming of the Shrew', and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. It didn't stop at Shakespeare though. Viewers also enjoyed digitized renditions of Anton Chekhov's 'The Bear', 'The Seagull', 'Three Sisters', Sophocles' 'Antigone', and Henrik Ibsen's 'Nora'. Each play was presented in a short story format, ensuring the series remained as compelling as it was diverse.
'Dijital Sahne' broadcasts on Zorlu PSM’s YouTube channel. It marks a significant transition for Zorlu PSM as it expands its content portfolio into the digital world, opening up opportunities for more people to appreciate the richness and depth of classical theatre in a modern, digitized format. Through 'Dijital Sahne', Zorlu PSM reinforces its commitment to promoting the arts and fostering cultural engagement, proving once again its position as a leading light in the Turkish cultural landscape.