Dear Colleagues,
The 23rd of April is a unique and a very special international celebration. The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, dedicated this day to the children of the country to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation.
It was on April 23rd, 1920, during the War of Independence, that the Grand National Assembly met in Ankara, and laid down the foundations of a new, an independent, a secular and a modern republic from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. He dedicated the day to the children, and entrusted in the hands of the youth the protection of this sovereignty and independence.
Since 1979, the children of Turkey have shared this national holiday with the children of the world. Hundreds of children from different countries and cultures, hosted by families, meet in festivities to discuss, to interact, to learn about each other, and share the joy of togetherness and the hope for peace. The importance of this day is also recognized by UNICEF. Some countries also celebrate this day.
Since its foundation in 1949, Turkish State Theatre pays special attention to plays for children, and includes them in its repertoire, since children are not only our future, but also our future actors, actresses, directors, designers and audience… So they are the future of theatre.
For this reason, Turkish State Theatre wishes to contribute the children’s day with a special festival, named “Little Ladies Little Gentlemen”, after a speech addressed to
children by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk:
“Little ladies, little gentlemen,
You are all the roses, the stars and the sparkling joy of our future,
the ones who will elevate the nation.
Always be aware of your value and significance!
And work hard…
We have great expectations from you.”
Atatürk, the first president of Turkish Republic and Ülkü, his adopted daughter (1936)
Untill today 40 countries from all across the world including Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Singapore, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Germany, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, Israel, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, French, Swiss, Spain, Lithuania, Netherlands, Slovenia, England, Cuba, Ukraina, China, Chile, Luxembourg, Crotia, Kosovo, Poland, Canada, Czech Republic, Georgia, Yakutia, Greece and the USA have participated to the Festival; 150 different play has met with about 200.000 audience.
In celebration of this unique event, we would be glad to see you and your company among us.
Sincerely yours,
MUSTAFA KURT
General & Art Director
Turkish State Theatres