Western Theatrical Influence and Early Shakespeare Performance in the Ottoman Empire (1810–1908). (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Forrester, Anna Carleton
• Is Part Of: Shakespeare. Volume 16:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 287
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Turkey -- opera -- drama -- Istanbul; Periodicals; 822.33
• DOI: 10.1080/17450918.2020.1790640
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-0918

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article examines early performance of Shakespeare's plays in the Ottoman empire, beginning in the nineteenth century and reaching to the first decade of the twentieth century. It specifically focuses on operatic, dramatic, and court productions of the plays in Istanbul. The study details the individuals responsible for introducing Western theatrical traditions, especially travelling players, local communities, and the theatrical spaces they created. It demonstrates that Shakespeare in Turkey is best understood as a site of production with many directions of influence, since diverse national, cultural, and artistic traditions contributed to the acquisition and integration of Shakespeare in Turkish culture.