Ragıp Ertuğrul
In Memory of Ragıp Ertuğrul
Ragıp Ertuğrul (1970–2022), the visionary behind the Istanbul Theatre Showcase, was a dedicated, graceful, and warm-hearted friend who fought tirelessly to bring this event to life. He deeply understood the significance of what the Showcase could mean for the theatre world — yet tragically, he passed away before he could witness the very first
gathering in May 2022. We honor his memory and his dream by carrying on his vision, committed to making the Istanbul Theatre Showcase an enduring tradition year after year.
KURUCULAR
Prof. NİHAL KUYUMCU
Prof. Dr Nihal Kuyumcu is an academic and a critic with published criticism,
reviews, and research — particularly in the field of children's theatre. She
also conducts Forum Theatre workshops and community responsibility
projects with women, young people, and children at various community
centres.
Prof. Dr. HASİBE KALKAN
Prof. Dr. Hasibe Kalkan teaches at the Department of Theatre Studies at Istanbul University
and heads the Department. She published books about documentary theatre, postmigrant
theatre, and theatre semiotics. Kalkan has worked as a dramaturge at the Istanbul State
Theater and writes theatre reviews for various daily newspapers and magazines. She is one
of the Co- Founders of TheatreIst Showcase.
Dr. HANDAN SALTA
Theatre critic Dr. Handan Salta, after leaving academia, turned her focus to translation,
creative forms of criticism, and play translation. She continues to write critical essays in both
Turkish and English and to translate works by playwrights from various countries. As co-
founder of the TheatreIST Showcase, she maintains active connections with international
theatre festivals and events.
Prof. Dr. SENEM CEVHER
Professor Senem Cevher, PhD, is a theatre scholar, director, and translator. Alongside her
academic work, she translates plays and develops national and international projects in the
fields of contemporary theatre and performance. She maintains collaborations with
festivals, cultural institutions, and artist networks, positioning her artistic practice at the
intersection of academia and the stage. She is one of the Co- Founders of TheatreIst
Showcase.
JURY
DANIŞMA KURULU
LEMAN YILMAZ
Leman Yılmaz is a scholar, festival curator, and arts manager. She served as
Director of the Istanbul Theatre Festival between 2013 and 2022 and currently continues
her work in theatre programming, cultural management, and festival curation.
CENGİZ ÖZEK
Cengiz Özek is a Karagöz artist, puppet theatre director, and designer.
Recognized nationally and internationally for bringing traditional Turkish shadow theatre
into dialogue with contemporary approaches, he continues his artistic practice through
performances, exhibitions, workshops, and festivals.
SELEN KORAD BİRKİYE
Selen Korad Birkiye is a dramaturg, scholar, and arts manager. She has worked extensively in
theatre production, theatre education, and cultural management, and is a co-founder of the
International Istanbul Puppet Festival.