By Heidi Trautmann
CLOSED a new play …. CLOSED VAROSHA, a fact for half a century - half a
lifetime - a fact and a sudden political decision to open it – a fact so recent,
so hotly discussed, which has disturbed so many, has reawakened harsh memories.
The period of the pandemic in 2020/2021 with all its adverse
circumstances in all fields was the right background atmosphere for Aliye
Ummanel, art director of the Nicosia Municipality Theatre, to concentrate on
constructing a play about the phenomenon of a closed space of life such as
VAROSHA which contains such themes as war, migration, displacement and memory.
A large field of human emotions, addressed by eleven individuals who
come forward in this place, isolated, left to rot for so long, but full of
stories, individuals who now walk among the ruins and bring to life the stories
that lay hidden.
Solo performances - and you can follow their memories in the landscape
of their faces, in the language of their body, their hands, the only partner
being the tree stumps on the dark and empty stage, acting as pillars for once
upon a time, a stage scenery so well done.
The Cast: Özgür Oktay,
Hatice Tezcan, Cem Aykut, Döndü Özata, Baris Refikoğlu, Asu Demircioğlu, Kymet
Karabiber, Aytunç Şabanli, Melek Erdil, Osman Ateş, Izel Seylani
These actresses and actors, so well known to me
over the years, created a manifest of reality, voices of the past for today.
I hope that one day I can see the play on the real stage because I miss
the excitement that goes with a new play, the nearness to the stage, the
closeness to the audience to share my feelings.
I take the opportunity of the World Theatre Day to send my good wishes
to the entire LBT Company, who were just as excited to get back into touch with
us the audience, to do what they are supposed to do, live their life as artists
to the fullest.
Original music by Osman Ateş,
Decor-costume by Özlem Deniz Yetkili,
Lighting design by Fırat Eseri,
Poster design by Barış Argus.
Lighting application by Salih Kanatlı,
Effect application by Mehmet Eseri,
Stage supervisor: Mehmet Demir
Decoration-costume assistant: Asia Kazafan.
Cultural Affairs Officer: Erhan Kurt
Financial affairs in the project: Ülgen Çakır
Financial affairs in the project: Ceren Kanatlı and Harper Sözer