PEN Responds to Ban of A Can Yücel Drama in Edirne

PEN Turkey responds to governorship of Edirne’s banning the drama “CAN” put on the stage in Public Education Center of Edirne.

PEN Turkey made a statement “Recently, our culture and art are attacked in a most violent and evident way.”

 “It is unacceptable for drama CAN, a drama played several times before, to be banned by governorship of Edirne. This is a case of oppression and violence. We disapprove targeting and threating precious artists and writers who existed just to express their art and writings by supporters of ruling party and we stand by the writers and artists who are threatened and oppressed. “

What happened?

Governorship of Edirne banned the play CAN stating it was “inappropriate”. Directed by Kemal Kocatürk, the drama had been on stage for four years.

According to the news of Oda TV, Kocatürk said “Governorship wanted the theatre script from us. As if we are still living in 1980 military coup. What are they going to do with that script? I’ve played that drama two years ago in Edirne but didn’t occur any problem. Now they want to ban it.”

After the banning case Recep Gürkan, Mayor of Edirne, from his twitter account invited theatre players to play on Edirne Saraçlar Avenue on May 20.

CAN will be on stage on May 20. (EA/BD)

Click here to read this article in Turkish