July in this city is different with its concerts, festivals and open-air events… For those who want to accompany the lively summer, we have gathered the best theater plays, exhibitions and concerts for you in Istanbul’s July events calendar.
THEATER
“Yan Rol”, Hilltown Seyirlik Stage
A woman who has always been seen as a friend in every aspect of her life shares her story with us in the Yan Rol. Her relationship with her parents, her best friend, the roles she cannot take, and the pressure of society are too much for her to bear. In this inner questioning of the woman who cannot hold the strings of her own life, she also takes a look at the strong relationships in life. Merve Polat takes the stage in the play written by Deniz Madanoğlu. Winner of the One Person Production and Female Comedy Actress of the Year awards, this play promises you a pleasant evening. If you want to watch this one-person play, you are expected at Hilltown Seyirlik Sahne on Thursday, July 4.
“Zenginler Mutfağı”, Maximum Uniq Hall
In this play, you will watch the events of June 15-16, 1970, the largest labor movement in the history of the Republic. The employees of the mansion, who think of nothing but serving in the Rich Kitchen, cannot remain indifferent to the events. The play, written by Vasıf Öngören’s powerful pen, reflects the events in an entertaining way. Kutay Sandıkçı, Onay Kaya, Gizem Ergün and Uğur Arda Başkan accompany Şener Şen, who plays the cook Lütfü Usta. The play will be staged at Maximum Uniq Hall on July 8 and 9 for those who want to enjoy the summer months with theater.
EXHIBITIONS
“Havaya Dair”, Salt Beyoğlu
Reflecting the social and ecological dimensions of air pollution, the exhibition Havaya Dair was designed by Milan-based design studio 2050+ for Salt Beyoğlu’s Forum space. It examines the toxins that permeate and spread through the air, as well as the social and political consequences of this toxicity and its effects on our world. In the exhibition, the chemical composition of the air, such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, is depicted in colors corresponding to different degrees of toxicity. You can visit the deeply moving exhibition at Salt Beyoğlu Forum until August 18th.
“Glossolalala”, Arter
Selen Ansen curates the exhibition in which Johanna Gustafsson and Dilek Winchester bring together their works produced in different media and places on the same ground. The title of the exhibition, “glossolalala”, revolves around the term ‘glossolalia’, defined as the ability to speak in unknown and invented languages. While using this rhythmic language, it also sheds light on the differences that divide and unite us through language.
The works, which see language as a playground, imagine beyond language, and attribute new vitality to words, are dealt with different themes. Texts that turn into raw sounds, words that fall into the environment to be put together by visitors, letters that mediate the production of sculptural objects by connecting art and craft, and much more criticize different ways of being ‘us’. You can visit the exhibition at Arter Gallery 1 until August 4th.
CONCERT
Loreena McKennitt, Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater
Canadian artist Loreena McKennitt, who has sold millions of albums worldwide with her ‘eclectic Celtic’ music throughout her long music career, is coming to the city! Following her new album ‘The Road Back Home’, she will meet her fans as part of her ‘The Mask and Mirror 30th Anniversary’ tour. In her 10-song album released this year, the artist returns to her early days in the folk world and reflects her musical perspective on the characteristic community culture.
McKennitt, who has received many international awards throughout her fascinating musical career, is accompanied by local instruments such as oud, kanun, guitar, percussion, piano, accordion and harp. Loreena McKennitt, one of the divas of eclectic music, will meet her audience at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater on July 2.
Modern Art Orchestra feat. Kaan Çelen Trio, Rahmi M. Koç Museum
MAO, one of the biggest bands in Europe, will meet its audience in Istanbul as part of the 31st Istanbul Jazz Festival! Interpreting the Hungarian musical tradition with the language of jazz for almost two decades, the group reflects the musical approaches and talents of three different generations together with contemporary classical music and jazz. Kaan Çelen, the rising voice of jazz drumming, will take the stage before MAO! Çelen, who received training from names such as Şevket Akıncı, Ediz Hafızoğlu, Ferit Odman, Baki Duyarlar and Cem Aksel, will meet the Istanbul Jazz Festival audience for the first time tonight. On Thursday, July 4th, don’t miss the concert that will take place at Rahmi Koç Museum.
An Epic Symphony & Pentagram, Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater
This concert will delight Pentagram fans as well as everyone who wants to experience a full music experience! An Epic Symphony & Pentagram concert, which will create unforgettable moments, will take place at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater on Friday, July 5. The iconic names of Turkish rock music will be performing their legendary songs and enthusiastic stage performances in a night full of excitement. If you haven’t had the chance to listen to Pentagram with symphonic orchestra and choir, don’t miss this concert.
Goran Bregovic – Wedding and Funeral Band, Maximum Uniq Açıkhava
Get ready to immerse yourself in Balkan melodies because Goran Bregovic is coming to Istanbul again with Wedding and Funeral Band! The powerful musician, who won the hearts of the Turkish audience by saying ‘My music always smells of Turkey’, is waiting for his guests at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava on July 12. Bregovic, who has left many albums throughout his successful music career, is one of the powerful artists who unites the whole world around his music. Coming to our country on tour, the master musician will meet his fans in Ankara on July 7, Ankara, Çeşme on July 8 and Antalya on July 9 before his Istanbul concert.
‘Kaleo’, KüçükÇiftlik Park
Taking its name from the Hawaiian word for ‘sound’, the Icelandic band is getting ready to shake Istanbul with its music again after two years upon the intense request of its fans. Known for their classic rock and blues rock inspired music and remarkable stage performances, KALEO’s concerts all over the world are selling out fast! The band, whose Grammy nominated tracks ‘No Good’ and ‘All the Pretty Girls’, as well as ‘Way Down We Go’, which was featured in popular TV series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Riverdale, reached over 1 billion listens in a short time, will take the stage at KüçükÇiftlik Park on Wednesday, July 24th. Buy your ticket now to catch this excitement.
