The beginning, development and today of the Cabaret Theatre in Turkey

Cabaret theatre is a theatre form, composed of critical humor, joke, mockery and irony; which also has some rebellious aspects. When it comes to Cabaret Theatre in Turkey, Devekuşu Cabaret Theatre is the first formation that comes to mind. This is because, Devekuşu Cabaret Theatre, which was established by Haldun Taner, Ahmet Gülhan, Zeki Alasya, Metin Akpınar, is the first practical example of cabaret theatre in Turkey. Haldun Taner aimed to establish a cabaret theatre form which is to be unique and specific to us and then with this aim in mind, started producing Cabaret Theatre samples in Turkey. Haldun Taner's purpose was to integrate traditional Turkish theatre and modern theatre elements with cabaret theatre features. The actualized form of this aim can be observed in Devekuşu Theatre, which was established by Taner himself. In this thesis, for the sake of a thorough understanding of Turkish Cabaret Theatre, the concept of Global Cabaret concept is examined in the first place. Afterwards, the beginning, development, and current situation of Turkish Cabaret Theatre is analyzed. The current situation of the contemporary Turkish Cabaret Theatre is examined by reviewing the cabaret theatre samples of these days. While writing this thesis, several articles, books, interviews and symposiums about Cabaret Theatre are used, while the primary information resource was Haldun Taner's articles, books and interviews. Apart from this, competent people, who have taken and/or already taking part in cabaret theatre in Turkey were interviewed.