On the Trail of Love in Istanbul: The Case of Circassian Rıdvan’s Intrigue

Site-Based Theatre - Approx 40’ no intermission.

The meddah tale “The Wardrobe of Rıdvan: The Circassian” from Reşad Ekrem Koçu’s book What Has Happened on the Path of Love in Istanbul comes to life on stage in the heart of the city, inside the historic Han. This original adaptation aims to translate Koçu’s distinctive portrayal of urban memory and the mythologies of Istanbul’s figures into a contemporary performative language, opening a dialogue with today’s audiences. Blending traditional storytelling with episodic dramaturgy, music, and choral arrangements, the play explores themes such as love, jealousy, class difference, and the desire for freedom—rendered in the satirical tone of 17th-century Istanbul.

As the narrative reflects the city’s everyday life, gossip, and vivid contradictions, it unfolds across the multi-level architecture of the Han, evolving into a scenographic experience shaped by the space itself. With its polyphonic structure that traverses time and tone, “The Wardrobe of Rıdvan: The Circassian” bridges the theatrical traditions of the past with a contemporary aesthetic—inviting the audience to become both witnesses and participants in a living, layered story.

Writer: Reşad Ekrem Koçu - Project Design: Yağmur Dolkun, Tülin Özen, Lara Lakay - Adapted from the Original by: Lara Lakay - Music Director: Gökçe “CheChe” Gürçay - Musicians: Volkan İncüvez, Miray Eslek, Özlem Kaya, Gökçe “CheChe” Gürçay - Stage Manager: Umutsu - Poster and Visual Design: Cansu Çakar - Assistants: Atakan Uyanık, Alara Erdem - Production: Tülin Özen, Yağmur Dolkun - Performer: Cem Zeynel Kılıç