The Istanbul Municipality Theatre During The 12 March Period

ABSTRACTThe 12 March 1971 Military Memorandum is a turning point in the political, social and economic development of Turkey. The atmosphere of freedom made possible by The 1961 Constitution opened up the path of free thought and discussion in all fields of life. The Turkish society underwent a brand new ideological differences among the socialists, the nationalists and the conservatives, irreconcilable differences in ` weltanschaung? have led to armed conflicts as well as to student riots and workers? protests. The rising inflation rates led to poorer living conditions for the masses which resulted in political and social chaos in the country.In the 1970?s all these changes within the social structure and the political atmosphere are reflected in the theatre. The playwrights have written plays above concerning the aftermath of the events that happened before and after the 12 March 1971 Military Memorandum and its effects on the individuals and the society as a whole. This period was a period of heavy censure which has affected the theatre. The Istanbul Municipality Theatre had it share of these conflicts and was criticized by the theatre circles. The Istanbul Municipality Theatre that has passed through periods of recession and development has continued to put on plays during the 12 March 1971 Military Coup period with changes in its repertoire, its organization and internal conflicts. The vitality the changes in this period brought to the theatre in general is also reflected in the search for new topics and forms by the Istanbul Municipality Theatre.