In this play, we follow the adventure of the legendary humour newspaper Markopaşa, which started its publishing life in 1946.
In its first issue, the newspaper states “[…] Our aim is not to laugh just to laugh. It is to think and be useful by laughing.“
Markopaşa is published by the great writers of the period, Sabahattin Ali, Aziz Nesin and Rıfat Ilgaz, and cartoonist Mustafa Mim Uykusuz. The life of the newspaper lasts for three years.
Seventy-seven issues in total have been included in the history of literature. Of course, this was not that easy. The newspaper changes seven names, ten editors-in-chief, nine printing houses, ten addresses, and those who endeavour to publish the newspaper face sixteen lawsuits and eight years of imprisonment.
When the stages the newspaper went through are analysed, we come across a story of a struggle for freedom of thought and expression under the harsh conditions of the period. In fact, this is a story of truth.
Meçhul Paşa is a play in which this process is skilfully brought to the stage.
Ahmet Sami Özbudak wrote the theatre. The play is directed by Emrah Eren and the stage and costume design is by Barış Dinçel. Founded in 2007, Tiyatroadam is also staging the play with great success. The cast includes Erdem Akakçe, Bülent Çolak, Fatih Koyunoğlu.
In the play, you observe how three great writers, despite their unique differences, stick together and struggle with great hope.
The difficulties experienced during the printing process of the newspaper are presented to the audience with a detailed plot.
While laughing, you think and question the atmosphere of the period. It is impossible not to admire the efforts of great writers to express their thoughts. Sabahattin Ali’s moment of departure for his last journey makes you sad, Rıfat Ilgaz’s desire to continue from where he left off after his imprisonment shakes you, Aziz Nesin’s great effort arouses admiration.
Of course, as befits a political humour newspaper, humour is not lacking alongside the narration of social conditions. We are watching a play with a lot of depth.
I cannot fail to mention how marvellous the performance of the cast is. Witnessing an almost flawless acting was one of the pluses of the play.
Have a good watch.
TITLE
Year of First Performance: 2018
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Tragedy
Written by: Ahmet Sami Özbudak
Directed by: Emrah Eren
Stage and Costume Design: Barış Dinçel
Lighting Design: Yakup Çartık
Music: Deniz Bayrak
Assistant Director: Güney Zeki Göker
Cast: Erdem Akakçe, Bülent Çolak, Fatih Koyunoğlu
Poster Photo: Mehmet Turgut
Poster and Brochure Design: Ethem Onur Bilgiç
Game Photos: Emre Mollaoğlu
Reji Assistants: Sinan Çelik, İrem Güner
