Art Marathon begins for City Theaters

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

Theater artists gather in Kadıköy to protest against the new City Theaters law. DHA Photo

Members of the Istanbul City Theaters Association protest new regulations in the new City Theaters law during an event called “Art Marathon” in Kadıköy’s Selamiçeşme Park.

Many artists, including actor Cem Davran, actress Sevinç Erbulak and Aslı Öngören, attended the protest June 16, the first day of multi-day event. During the protest, which will continue until June 22, there will be theater, dance and music shows, poetry readings and short film screenings.

The protest was organized by theater artists and theater goers, according to Davran. “Artists will be here for 24 hours [a day] and for seven days until June 22. This is not only an event but a protest in a sense. I hope it will obtain its goal,” he said.

The event is also supported by organizations such as the State Theater Opera and Ballet Employees Foundation (TOBAV), Theater Artists Association (TODER), Screenwriters and Translators Association (OYÇED), Turkish Critics’ Union and Nazım Hikmet Culture Center.