Şahları da Vururlar Oyunu
Following the passing of Ferhan Şensoy, the Ortaoyuncular troupe is returning to the stage with "They Also Shoot Kings," and the historic Ses Theater is also reopening its doors for the festival! This musical comedy, which premiered in 1980 and caused a huge impact across the country, is now being performed for a brand new generation of theatergoers after 42 years.
The story begins in 1940s Iran, where Omar Khayyam, due to a case of mistaken identity, finds himself wrongly imprisoned by the Iranian Intelligence Organization. In the country under the rule of Shah Reza Pahlavi, things are on the verge of unraveling. The Shah's less-than-stellar private life, the constant palace gossip, and the intense power struggles all point to a period of growing unrest. While the voices of dissent are slowly rising among a population struggling to make ends meet, the government and its leaders remain detached from the people, fueling the growing divide. The daily life within the palace and the Shah's rule, which constantly occupied the world's media, have created an ever-widening chasm between the ruling elite and the people, bringing the country to the brink of collapse.
Ferhan Şensoy, with his unique sense of humor and references to contemporary issues, poses questions to the audience in "They Also Shoot Kings," such as "What is Westernization, and what is it not?" In the play, Şensoy directs serious criticisms of Turkey during that era, using the turmoil in Iran as a backdrop. His distinctive style, characterized by his uninhibited expression, sharp wit, and rebellious spirit, sets him apart. Staged continuously for nearly five years, with 586 performances, the play is a perfect example of Şensoy's writing and directing style, and a genuine, satirical piece of history written while events were unfolding.