Problematic of representation of reality in contemporary Turkish theater and its influence on play texts written after 2000

This study aims at scrutinizing the problematic of representation of reality and its influence on contemporary Turkish playwriting through both contemporary discussions within the occidental theater and basic concepts that determine the perception of social reality in Turkey. To this end, firstly, the historical and social development process of the problematic of representation of reality in the occidental theater is illustrated. Then, the effects of discussions in contemporary art, which had started with historical avant-gardism, developed with postmodern thought and determined 21st century's art practices, on Turkish theatre is scrutinized. In order to understand the playwrights' interrelation with social reality after 2000, the effect of three basic phenomena (neo-conservative tendency, identity problem and media) on the perception of social reality is examined. Finally, the study reviews the reflections of these phenomena, which had been examined in terms of society's interrelation with reality, on the analyzed texts in terms of form and context. It is striking that, contemporary playwrights feel a responsibility towards the reconstruction of reality vis-à-vis the inconsistencies between social discourses and actions and towards the loss of the perception of reality as shown by the sociological investigation in the study. It is seen that the said process whereby the Turkish theater is getting re-politicized can become much more productive should the writers search for novelties in form and develop new ways of expression. Keywords: reality, perception of reality, theatricality, post-2000s