THE METHODIST CHARACTERISTICS OF HALDUN TANNER'S DRAMAS

Abstract

This article analyzes the peculiar stylistics of the plays of Khaldun Taner, a well-known representative of modern Turkish dramaturgy. Such dramas as "Günün Adamı" ("Man of the Day", 1957), "Dışardakiler" ("Outsiders", 1957), "Ve Değirmen Dönerdi" ("The Mill was still spinning", 1958), "Fazilet Eczanesi" ("Fazilet Pharmacy", 1960), "Lütfen Dokunmayın" ("Please don't touch", 1961). are analyzed. The basis of the plot of his works was the inter-characteristic conflicts of his contemporaries and the description of the life of opposing heroes. Taner, like Bertold Brecht, in his dramas follows the method of "alienation" initially, which is the main feature of the "epic theater". This is the peculiarity of Taner's dramaturgy, the requirement to encourage the viewer to reflect, analyze, and judge. Taner's merit in drama was that, following the rules of epic drama, he enriched his works with national theatrical traditions close to the people and successfully brought them to the attention of the audience. Taner brings Brecht's traditions to Turkish drama, in particular in the cabaret theater, but at the same time does not set out to imitate European culture or any other people, but uses the introduction of new modern styles of drama for the development of the Turkish national theater.

The article explores the fact that Taner's epic plays and dramas for cabaret are deeply political and at the same time philosophical plays.