Viewer numbers, proceeds on rise at Ankara opera

ANKARA

The Ankara State Opera and Ballet (ADOB) has increased its audience numbers and income to a large extent since the opening of the new season in October 2014, according to figures from the organization.

Speaking about the 2014-2015 season, ADOB Art Director Mustafa Erdoğan said they had focused on national productions in the repertoire, adding that they had also worked this season to increase productivity behind the stage.

Erdoğan said ADOB was expected to break a new record in terms of box office revenue and the number of viewers.

“We have staged 100 performances since the opening of the season. We have reached an 85 percent occupancy rate and an income of nearly 500,000 Turkish Liras. The number of viewers has reached some 100,000 people. We have reached the complete figures of last season in the middle of this season, breaking a record,” he said.

He also attributed some of the success to the company’s use of the Leyla Gencer Stage more frequently. “In the past, we had one or two performances on the Leyla Gencer Stage, but now it is three or four. We will take advantage of this stage for children’s works, modern dance, operettas and concerts after the stage is improved. We will widen the orchestra pit and use it for the concerts, too,” he said.

Erdoğan also said popular works by ADOB were continuing this year.