Aytaç Manizade: Examining her life, art, education and contributions to Turkish opera as a director

This research was conducted to reveal the life, art, education and contributions of Aytaç Manizade, one of the few opera directors in our country, to Turkish Opera as a director. In the research, descriptive analysis was conduct with document scanning and interview techniques using qualitative research method. This research is a monograph study conducted in accordance with the survey model. Aytaç Manizade has directed over 60 productions in all opera stages in Turkey and national/international festivals. With her knowledge, high intellectualism, extraordinary creativity and talent, she has created new interpretations of many operas that have been staged for centuries by using décor, costumes and lighting in a different ways. The artist, who is also an educator, instructs prospective opera singer candidates on how to be a good artist on the stage, starting from the very basics. Considering all her qualifications, Aytaç Manizade was the subject of this research. In this research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with her, the creative staff of the opera, opera singers and her students. When we examine our results. It is observed that the basic elements of being a good opera director are based on many years of assistant work. Besides, it is necessary to have art of singing at a level of considering the comfort of opera singers during singing; In order to analyze the events and characters on the stage, it is necessary especialy sufficient knowledge of classical music. Additionaly it is necessary to be a researcher by continuing personal education in the fields of philosophy, psychology, sociology, painting, archeology, art history, etc. In the light of all these qualities, it is observed that great productions have emerged with extraordinary foresight and artistic creativity.