The role of theater discussed by panel

ISTANBUL - "Home not Home" is an intercultural project aiming to provide new cultural experiences and perspectives to increase intercultural understanding by exploring themes that recognize new concepts of what "home" means to Europe today.

The new generations, who feel at home in different environments and can approach the world from a global perspective, is the main target of the project. Home not Home will be presented in full size in four major Swedish cities, and in parts to about twenty German cities, including Berlin. It will also be presented in three Turkish cities; Istanbul, Ankara and Diyarbakır.

Home not Home consists of the following activities:

· A theatrical adaptation of the German/Turkish film "Head-On," directed by Drit‘ro Kasapi - (Riksteatern) Dec.18, 19, 20 and 21, in Talimhane Theater

· An exhibition by Turkish artist Selda Asal. (Riksutst/llningar)

· A number of encounters, seminars and exchange of experts (Re:Orient), training sessions, guided tours and partnerships (Intercult) and audience development (Sprong).

In order to connect the project and the theme with Turkey, "the originating point of the stories," the project will collaborate with several organizations in Turkey: the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and the Arts, Anadolu Kültür and Garajistanbul.

Garajistanbul is one of the main partners of the Home not Home project. As a part of this partnership, the theater play "Head-On" will be performed in Talimhane Theatre and a seminar titled "The Role of Theater" will be held in Garajistanbul.

"The Role of Theatre," a panel discussion that will take place today in Garajistanbul, will provide inspiration and a critical reflection on theatre of today. Four artistic directors, Mehmet Ergen (Talimhane), Mustafa Avkıran (Garajistanbul), Birgitta Englin (The Swedish Travelling Theatre) and Helen Smittenberg (Pustervik Theatre, Gothenburg), will come together to discuss the role of theatre in Turkey and Sweden today.

What is its potential: Entertainer or a generator for social change? Both, or something altogether different?

Chris Torch, artistic director of Intercult, is the moderator. Intercult is based in Stockholm, funded by the Ministry of Culture and the City of Stockholm, focusing on international cultural relations, primarily in Europe.

"It is a fine group of people gathered for this discussion and I want to take advantage of the experience represented in the panel to start an engaged and provocative discussion. First among ourselves and finally together with the public," Torch told the Daily News.

The panel discussion will be held between 5.30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Entrance is free.

Garajistanbul / Tomtom Mahallesi Yeni

Çarşı Caddesi

Kaymakam Resat Bey Sokak No:11/A

34433 Galatasaray Beyoğlu 0212 244 44 99/104

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