Turkish, Greek ministers watch 'Romeo and Juliet' in Istanbul

By Aise Humeyra Akgun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and Greece's Culture Minister Lina Mendoni came together Friday at Istanbul's Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM) for a performance of William Shakespeare's classic masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet.

The play, a collaboration between Turkish State Theaters and Greece's Athens Concert Hall Megaron, along with the cultural organization Lykofos of Yorgos Lykiardopoulos, is bringing together theater enthusiasts from both sides of the Aegean Sea.

The project aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster collaboration between art institutions and artists from Greece and Türkiye.

The play premiered Thursday in Istanbul and will continue until April 28.

Ersoy said at a news conference at AKM that rehearsals began Feb.18 in Greece.

He highlighted that after captivating audiences in Türkiye, the production will move to Athens in May, with 13 performances planned in both countries.

“We also plan for it to take part in the 14th State Theaters Antalya International Theater Festival to be held in Antalya between May 17 and 27. It will also be staged in different cities of Türkiye and Greece during the summer months and the upcoming theater season, and participation in prestigious theater festivals in Europe will be possible,” he said.

Ersoy expressed a willingness to continue working in coordination and collaboration with relevant institutions and organizations in Greece to further enhance cultural relations between both countries.

Mendoni expressed happiness about the play meeting the audience in Istanbul in terms of Turkish-Greek relations.

"This play could be a beginning. As two communities, we can elevate our cultural ties even further. We are pleased to learn that there are not only collaborations at the state level but also joint projects and bilateral cooperation among private organizations. I look forward to welcoming you to the play that will be staged in Athens on May 16. I am sure the play will be very well received in Athens too," she said.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan