The 29th Istanbul Theatre Festival will take place from 20 October to 22 November 2025, bringing 16 theatre and dance productions from Türkiye and around the world to stages across the city. Curated for a second year by director and academic Mehmet Birkiye, the festival opens with Cathedral by Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, choreographed by Marcos Morau and set to the music of Arvo Pärt. Another highlight is Who are we? by the acclaimed French-Catalan company Baro d’evel, blending theatre, circus, and movement in an exploration of human connection. The full program and ticket details can be found here.
A Celebration of Theatre and Literature
This year’s programme places a strong emphasis on literary adaptations. Works include The New York Trilogy by French troupe En Votre Compagnie, Faust from Ankara State Theatre, Bovary by Belgium’s KVS Theatre, and A Woman’s Battles and Transformations by Istanbul’s Moda Sahnesi, adapted from Édouard Louis. Each production offers a fresh interpretation of classic and contemporary texts, showcasing how literature continues to inspire theatre today.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
One of the most powerful productions of the season is Hamlet by Teatro La Plaza, performed by eight actors with Down Syndrome. This performance not only reimagines Shakespeare’s tragedy but also embodies the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and the active participation of individuals with neurodevelopmental differences in the arts.
Beyond the Stage
In addition to theatre and dance, the festival invites audiences to engage with Istanbul itself as a living stage. Special site-specific projects include Istanbul Mon Amour: Pera’s Dark Room by Kumbaracı50 in Beyoğlu, Open House at the historic İMÇ bazaar, and On the Trail of Love in Istanbul, inspired by historian Reşad Ekrem Koçu’s tales that weave through Ottoman and Republican eras. For younger audiences, choreographer Ceren Oran’s Game Within a Game sparks playfulness and improvisation on stage.
Festival Venues
Performances will unfold across 11 venues on both sides of the Bosphorus, including Alan Kadıköy, Beyoğlu Cinema, Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Sahnesi, Mecidiyeköy Sahnesi, Metrohan, moda sahnesi, Paribu Art, Zorlu PSM, and more.
About the Curator
Mehmet Birkiye is a veteran theatre director, actor, and academic. A long-standing member of Kent Oyuncuları, he has directed and acted in dozens of productions over his career. Birkiye has taught at Istanbul University State Conservatory and founded the Department of Drama and Acting at Istanbul Aydın University, where he continues as head of department. His recent work includes The Cherry Orchard, Richard III: Why I Did It?, and a staging at the Theatre Olympics in Budapest.
Keep up to date with the full program via the official page for the 29th Istanbul Theatre Festival, as well as their official Instagram.
