The Ankara State Opera and Ballet will open its season on October 20th at the historic Opera Stage, which has been restored to its appearance from 70 years ago.
Murat Karahan, the General Director of the Ankara State Opera and Ballet, shared information about the restoration process of the Opera Stage in Ulus, one of the most important symbolic structures of the opera.
Karahan, who opened the doors of the restored historic building, mentioned that the hall is almost ready for performances. He stated:
"We had made a promise, and the renovation of the opera building was initially planned to be completed by the fall of 2019. However, we didn’t want to deprive the people of Ankara of this beautiful, historic hall. We spoke with the company, and they did everything they could, and we’re opening in the fall of 2018."
He noted that the season opening would be delayed by only 15-20 days compared to other regions, and added, "On Saturday, October 20th, the Ankara State Opera and Ballet will begin its season at this historic, magnificent stage."
Restored for the First Time
Karahan highlighted that the biggest issue during the restoration and renovation process was the ventilation system, which had not been touched in 70 years. He explained that this system has been completely renewed and shared the following:
"For the first time in its history, a restoration has been done because previous efforts were always in the form of repairs. This time, our restorers specifically worked on it. The pale pink color on the opera’s exterior is actually the original color of the Ankara State Opera and Ballet building. Our restorers reached the core and found the closest possible colors, restoring it to its original form. The current colors, lights, and exterior appearance of the building, as well as the lobby, are now reflecting the opera’s original state from 70 years ago."
Performances for the New Season
Murat Karahan shared the works that will be presented to the audience with the season opening on October 20th:
"Works such as Carmen, The Elixir of Love, 4th Murat, The Nutcracker, Zorba, and Frida, which continued from the previous season, will also be performed this season. Additionally, new works will be staged. This season, there will be surprise and exciting pieces. In the first week of November, we will premiere Troya, and preparations are ongoing."
Karahan also mentioned that Fiddler on the Roof, one of the most beloved works in world music history, will be staged this year. He said, "It’s a piece that has won great love and appreciation from the public, and I believe it will continue to be followed with great affection. Later, our new production of Turandot will also be on stage. Those who have seen it in Aspendos know the magnificent set and staging. We will also present Ayşe, the operetta by Muhlis Sabahattin Ezgi, to our audience in the spring."
Master Craftsmen and Restorers Worked "24/7"
The building in Ulus, initially designed as an "exhibition house" during the early years of the Republic, was later used for theater and opera performances. Its construction process dates back to 1931.
The building was designed by architect Şevki Balmumcu, chosen through the first international competition held in the early Republic period. The construction of the building, which cost 310 thousand lira at the time, was completed in 1935.
The transformation of the exhibition house into an opera house was completed in 1948 with the architectural project of German architect Paul Bonatz, following the decision of the Ministry of National Education.
After 70 years, the opera building, which has been restored for the first time, reached completion in just six months, with a 24/7 working schedule.
Every detail of the building, from its colors to its appearance, has been restored to its 1948 look, and it will now greet art lovers in its original form from 70 years ago.
