Ankara State Theater Stages Comedy Skewering Türkiye's Decades-Long EU Bid

A new play poking fun at Türkiye's EU membership process is set to debut at an Ankara State Theater, marking the first time such a production has appeared on that stage. Written by Ozcan Ozer, 'Avrupa Komedyasi' (European Comedy) takes a satirical look at a bid that stretches back to the 1960s.

The play centers on a three-member coalition government and examines Türkiye's relationship with the IMF, the domestic reforms undertaken in pursuit of EU membership, and the role of the press. In one scene, the central bank governor tells the prime minister that IMF officials want to claim the country's 'spirit and body' as collateral against its debt.

The story escalates toward a fictional US military occupation of Türkiye by the final act, with American soldiers justifying their presence by noting the geographical distance once made governing the country difficult.

Ozer told the Anadolu Agency that the play traces a path from 'economic occupation,' beginning when foreign firms acquired shares on the IMKB (Istanbul Stock Exchange), to a full physical occupation.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in April 2006, in its own words.