Theatre criticism in Turkish literature (1923-1940)

The aim of this study is to draw a general portrait of the theatre of the period considering theatre criticism texts from literary and art magazines published between 1923 and 1940. The study revealed that both theatre and theatre criticism considerably followed the same line in Turkish literature, and were influenced by the transformations in political and social life. The most active theatre institution of the period was Dârülbedâyi. After passing many stages, it eventually became an official institution of the Municipality of Istanbul. This was considered as important for history of Turkish theatre. While the lack of actresses, local plays, and playwrights in theatre is viewed as fundamental shortcomings in that period, the lack of knowledge about theatre and objective perspective on the part of critics in criticism of theatre and theatre plays is also seen as an obstacle to the development of the genre of criticism in Turkish literature. Keywords: Dârülbedâyi, Theatre, Criticism, Community centre, State Theatre