Sururi familiy of the Turkish theater and artistic personality of Gülriz Sururi

ABSTRACT The first years of the Republican Period are essential for the Musical Turkish Theatre. This was a very innovative period: there was an incredible increase in the number of national writers, more and more Turkish actresses contributed on the stage, and most importantly Musical Orama was released from the foreing theatre companies and influence. The Sururis were the forerunners of this productive period. The family, whose main interest was acting, had already played a very important role in Turkish opera with their translations and adaptations. Yusuf Sururi, the eldest of the family, has been the most influential composer/writer of this period. His operas were frequently staged by the popular theatre companies of the time. For his ingenious ability to make the audience laugh, he is renowned a 'Funny Celal', and he is one of the most popular actors of the time. Lutfullah Sururi, who was the most popular tenor after Cemal Sahir, had founded several opera houses and had a very crucial place in the history of Turkish Opera: 'Halk Opera House', 'Istanbul Opera House', and 'Istanbul Theatre' were founded due to his hard work. AM Sururi, who started acting with Lutfullah Sururi's support, had acted/performed important roles in the operas. Despite her pre-mature death, Suzan Lutfullah, the unforgettable actress of 'Ayse Opera' has been the pre-madonna of the musical theatre. The youngest of the Sururi family, Gulriz Sururi, is one of the most talented actresses in the Contemporary Turkish Theatre. She has played the most challenging roles due to her unique acting and voice: from 'Sokak Kızı Irma' (Street Girl Irma), to 'Mehmene Banu', and various roles depicting the minority groups in Turkey (laz, ermeni) VllThe Sururis have been the real founders of the Turkish Theatre since the first years of Turkish Republic, and today they continue their service with Gulriz Sururi. This research is a general outlook on the contributions of the Sururis, and in particular Gulriz Sururi. Vlll