‘Absolute President’ takes the stage in Menteşe

The launch of the one-act political comedy play titled “Absolute President” was held at Menteşe City Council Working Office. During the introduction to the press members, information was given about the content of Hayalhane Theatre's new play, the stage process, and the team work.

The adaptation of the play was done by Mehmet Topbaş, and the direction was undertaken by Yusuf Niş. Mehmet Topbaş and Reha Öztürk will perform on stage in the play.

Topbaş: “We are here to remind the power of art reflecting society”

Speaking at the launch, Hayalhane Theatre General Artistic Director Mehmet Topbaş said that “Absolute President” is not just a new theatre play, but also a work that reminds the social responsibility of art.

In his statement, Topbaş said, “Today, we have gathered not only to introduce a new theatre play but also to once again remind the power of art reflecting society. As Hayalhane Theatre, we are excited to present 'Absolute President', a political comedy which is the product of long labor, intense work, and great belief.”

“The play takes place in the fictional country of the Republic of Hindiye”

Giving information about the play's plot, Topbaş explained that the story approaches social issues with humor through a fictional country, saying: “Our play’s story takes place in the fictional country of the Republic of Hindiye. An ordinary citizen who thinks some things are not going well in his country expresses the problems by writing letters directly to the President of Hindiye. However, these letters disturb the administration rather than producing solutions. Thereupon, the president assigns an agent to deceive and silence the citizen.”

Topbaş stated that the events developing between two characters transform into political comedy, saying, “At this point, the events between two characters turn into a political comedy that brings together comedy, tragedy, irony, and human conscience on the same stage.”

“Not just a play that makes you laugh”

Emphasizing that “Absolute President” is a play that both makes the audience laugh and think, Topbaş noted that it invites viewers to look at social realities from a different perspective and said:

“Absolute President is not just a play that makes people laugh. While it meets its audience with laughter, it also makes them think, question, and invites them to look at the social realities we live from a different window. With musical sections, dances, strong humor language, and tempo, it entertains the audience while bravely asking questions that touch all our lives between the lines. Because we believe that theatre is not only an art that entertains; it is one of the most important branches of art that objects, questions, makes you think, and keeps society’s conscience alive when necessary. As artists, it is one of our fundamental responsibilities not to remain indifferent to what is happening, to speak up when needed, and to express this with the universal language of art.

“We are reviving the tradition of political comedy in the theatre”

Noting that political comedy plays have increasingly decreased in recent years, Mehmet Topbaş said, “Unfortunately, ‘Absolute President’ shows the courage to bring this tradition back to the stage at a time when political comedy plays have been declining. We believe that this play, which provokes thought with the power of humor and meets criticism with the aesthetics of art, will continue to affect its audience for a long time.”

Yusuf Niş is in the director's seat

Pointing out that the direction of the play is undertaken by one of Yeşilçam’s masters, Yusuf Niş, Topbaş expressed that it is a great honor for them to reunite on the same stage with his teacher after many years: “Our director is the distinguished teacher Yusuf Niş, who is among the master names of Yeşilçam and has dedicated years to Turkish theatre and cinema. Meeting again on the same stage with our teacher, of whom we had the honor of being a student twenty years ago, is a great pride and happiness for us.”

Mehmet Topbaş and Reha Öztürk will perform on stage

Mehmet Topbaş stated that he adapted the play himself and that he will share the stage with Reha Öztürk.

Topbaş said, “The adaptation of the play was done by Mehmet Topbaş. Mehmet Topbaş and Reha Öztürk appear on stage. Reha Öztürk is one of the most valuable names of Muğla theatre who has contributed to Hayalhane Theatre since its foundation.”

A strong team works behind the scenes

Giving information about the technical team of the play, Topbaş said, “Kürşat Sümbül and Seyfettin Aşçı are responsible for directing, lighting, and sound design, while our valuable artist Sevgi Yaşar works on makeup design. Together with the big family of Hayalhane Players working behind the scenes, we are bringing this play to the audience.”

“We invite you to think accompanied by laughter”

Mehmet Topbaş concluded by saying that “Absolute President” claims to be a common voice of art, humor, and thought:

“This play is not just a theatre show; it is a work that claims to be the common voice of art, humor, and thought. We believe that as curtains rise, hope grows, as people talk, society breathes, and as art lives, free thought will continue to live. Thank you all for your participation, support, and standing by art, and we invite you to think accompanied by laughter with ‘Absolute President.’”

On July 10th at Yıldız Kenter Stage

“Absolute President” will be staged on Friday, July 10th at 8:30 PM at Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Center Yıldız Kenter Stage. The play requires tickets, and it is indicated that tickets and information can be obtained by contacting the phone number 0555 876 19 51.

Reporter: Mukaddes Yelin