The recently founded Bilkent International Laboratory Theater (BILT) premiered a new play last week at the Bilkent Theater Hall. “77. Şube” (Branch 77) by Barkın Kenan is a dark comedy centered on the fallout, both literal and figurative, from a fictional atomic bombing. The play is being staged in its original language, Turkish.
“77. Şube” is set in a fictional country, five years after an atomic bombing. The country’s king has done his best to ease the suffering of his people, putting the Multipurpose Company into action to protect them from the aftereffects of the nuclear assault; the company has won over the population with its efforts. But a terrorist attack in a rural district, Branch 77, results in outrage and condemnation, as cries of “Down with the sellouts! Down with the traitors! Down with the murderers!” echo throughout the land.
The general artistic director of the production is Jason Hale, chair of the Department of Performing Arts. The play was written and is being directed by Barkın Kenan, with set design by Özlem Gezgin, original music and sound effects by Mert Moralı, video production by Berkay Özdemir, voiceover by Serdar Kayaokay and lighting design by Yılmaz Ertekin.
Cast members are Koray Alper, Ahmet Burak Bacınoğlu, Efe Çetinel, Elif Çetinel, Diyar Güldoğan, Mr. Kenan and Pelin Şahin.
All performances will take place in the Bilkent Theater Hall and will begin at 8 p.m. Remaining performance dates are November 19, 20 and 22.
Students taking GE250–251 who attend the play will receive 20 points for the course. Tickets may be purchased via https://bilet.bilkent.edu.tr.
For more information: ext. 1775.