Changing Through Theater: Bergama's Enduring Stage

Culture possesses the transformative power to shape individuals, refining primitive instincts and fostering civilization, with theater standing out as a paramount cultural instrument. By vividly portraying life's complexities through live performances, theater facilitates personal and societal change. The ancient city of Pergamon (modern Bergama) in Turkey boasts four ancient theaters, with the Acropolis theater, built in the 2nd century BCE by King Eumenes II, being the steepest in the world. The king's engagement of theater troupes from Teos underscores the historical recognition of theater's role in cultural preservation and political strategy.

Following centuries of dormancy, theater in Bergama saw a resurgence after the establishment of the Turkish Republic. Amateur performances in local community centers and schools paved the way for the first professional theater performances by the Istanbul City Theaters during the Bergama Kermes/Festival in 1937. These festivals, held annually in late May, often featured plays staged in the ancient Asklepion theater, showcasing works from Greek tragedians like Sophocles and Aristophanes. In the 1940s, President İsmet İnönü even expressed a desire to host ancient theater performances in Bergama, acknowledging the unique historical setting.

The establishment of the Bergama City Theater in 1991, spearheaded by Sefa Taşkın and his colleagues with the support of the Bergama Municipality, marked a significant step towards regular local theatrical productions. The troupe staged notable plays such as Haldun Dormen's "I Close My Eyes, I Do My Duty" and Oktay Arayıcı's "Rumuz Goncagül," even touring to Ankara. This initiative was particularly groundbreaking as Bergama was among the first towns in Turkey to establish such a local theater company.

Despite initial plans for a "Theater Festival" following the City Theater's founding, political shifts in 1994 led to funding cuts and the suspension of activities. However, a renewed understanding of theater's value prompted the Bergama Municipality, under Mehmet Gönenç's leadership, to re-establish a City Theater in 2016. This new iteration staged acclaimed productions like "Hamlet" and "Antigone Bound in Chains," earning national awards and nurturing new acting talent. The region has a history of producing nationally recognized actors, including Nejat Çetinok and Metin Balay, further cementing Bergama's rich theatrical heritage.