Details

Lake Van, Eastern Turkey. Meryem, a fifteen-year-old rape victim, is accused of shaming her family. Cemal, her cousin, is tasked with an honour killing. But their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Irfan, a troubled professor in search of a new life... In the award-winning Bliss, Zulfu Livaneli pits tradition against modernity, East against West, and weaves an extraordinary story along the dividing lines of modern-day Turkey. This brand new musical adaptation blends traditional forms with authentic Anatolian instruments. Arcola Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen directs the world premiere production, playing in London for 3 nights only prior to a European tour. Performed in Turkish with English surtitles. Contains references to sexual violence.

Cast/Performers

Tuncay Cagil, Zeynep Er, Ezgi Erol, Hakan Guner, Serhat Tutumluer, Sibel Tuzun

Creatives/Company

Author: Zulfu Livaneli
Book by: Simon Reade
Lyrics(s): Simon Reade, Ezgi Erol (additional lyrics), Ezgi Erol (lyrics in Turkish)
Music(s): Bora Ebeoglu, Cengiz Onural, Karl Lewkowicz (musical supervisor)
Producer(s): Talimhane Tiyatrosu, Arcola Theatre, Lerzan Pamir
Director: Mehmet Ergen
Translation(s): Aysil Aksehirli, Mehmet Ergen
Lighting: Richard Williamson
Sound: Neil McKeown
Costume: Gul Sager