Buenas Dias!
Good morning, dear readers of 🧿Bir17! Today, we’re stepping onto the stage and immersing ourselves in the magic of theater. If you've had a few sips of your coffee, we kindly ask for five minutes of your time. Just for you, and of course, only for you… 🫵🏻
And now, let’s talk about one of the most remarkable theatrical productions of the season: "Çirkin"!
Among the many alternative theater stages, Hope Alkazar stood out this season by hosting Çirkin, a play featured at the İKSV Theater Festival. Written by Firuze Engin and directed by Güray Dinçol, the production quickly became one of the most talked-about performances of the year. One of its stars, Onur Berk Arslanoğlu, delivered a show-stopping performance as a chicken—a role so unique and mesmerizing that it earned him prestigious theater awards.
For those familiar with Güray Dinçol’s previous works, it’s no surprise that anything he directs is bound to leave an impact. His deep background in physical theater, clown performance, and absurdism was evident in Çirkin, bringing an extraordinary physicality and depth to the characters on stage.
Throughout the season, Çirkin played to sold-out audiences, proving that its success was no coincidence. As Onur Berk Arslanoğlu himself noted, this was one of those rare productions where an actor could focus solely on their craft without needing to promote the play—because the audience and critics did it for them. At the season’s end, his outstanding work was recognized with Sadri Alışık Theater Awards and Afife Theater Awards, cementing his place as one of the most celebrated actors of the year.
Arslanoğlu's journey to this point has been filled with notable milestones. In 2017, he was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor of the Year" for his role in Waiting for Godot. This year, his commitment to the role in Çirkin led to him winning "Best Actor of the Year." Known for his meticulous approach to movement and character embodiment, he went as far as studying the body language of real chickens to perfect his role, proving once again why he is one of the most distinctive performers in contemporary theater.
Described as a fairy tale set in a mythical world, Çirkin delves into themes of otherness, beauty vs. ugliness, desire, love, and free will. With its layered narrative, innovative staging, and visually stunning design, it captured audiences from the very beginning and solidified its place among the season’s most celebrated productions.
The play’s home, Hope Alkazar, provided a technological infrastructure that further enhanced the experience, blurring the lines between traditional theater and immersive performance. With its unique combination of cutting-edge technology and bold storytelling, the venue played an integral role in bringing Çirkin to life.
The brilliant ensemble cast and creative team behind the production included Nihal Yalçın, Onur Berk Arslanoğlu, Firuze Engin (Writer), Güray Dinçol (Director), Yağmur Dolkun (Producer), Veli Kahraman (Set/Scenography Designer), Ahmet Kenan Bilgiç (Music), Büşra Firidin (Choreographer), Candan Seda Balaban (Costume Designer), Cem Yılmazer (Lighting Designer), Turgut Mavuk (Sound/Effects Designer), and Aslı Ekici (Assistant Director). Their collaboration and artistic vision transformed Çirkin into an unforgettable experience.
With its bold exploration of the absurd and grotesque, Çirkin not only entertained but also challenged perceptions, sparking conversations long after the final curtain fell. Though this season’s run has ended, its impact remains, leaving audiences eager for future productions that dare to push boundaries in a similar way.
For those who had the chance to witness Çirkin, it was undoubtedly a theatrical experience to remember. And for those who missed it—well, let’s just say we’ll be waiting to see if this brilliant play makes a return in the seasons to come.
Stay inspired by the arts,
Bir17 Team 🧿