Classic Russian play draws Istanbulites to theater

By Hilal Ustuk

ISTANBUL (AA) - A theatrical adaptation of Eugene Onegin, a famous novel by Russian author Alexander Pushkin, has drawn the attention of art-lovers in Istanbul.

The play will be preformed on Thursday and Friday at the 23rd Istanbul Theatre Festival being held in collaboration with the Golden Mask Russian Performing Arts Festival.

The Russian classic is a tragedy with a carefree, rich gentleman as its protagonist. He rejects his lady love, only to realize the mistake he has made when its too late.

Festival Director Leman Yilmaz said 150 people had arrived from Russia for the performance.

“Many renowned actors came just for this festival. We are very happy to welcome them here in Istanbul," she said.

She said their next step will be a Chekov Festival, to honor the Russian playwright.

Golden Mask Festival Director Maria Revyakina said: “It is not easy to show different performances for different theater audience in a different country. I would like to thank Leman and her team for their support.”

The Golden Mask will also perform other plays; Every Direction is North, The Circus and Iran Conference.

The festival, which will run through Dec. 1, will host 78 performances by 28 troupes -- 12 from abroad and 16 from Turkey.

* Writing by Burak Dag