ISTANBUL - The Sixteenth International Istanbul Theatre Festival began with an opening ceremony in Istanbul`s Haghia Eirene on Thursday night.
Making the opening remarks of the festival, Sakir Eczacibasi, chairman of the Istanbul Culture & Art Foundation (IKSV), commemorated Turkish diva Leyla Gencer who died in Italy on May 10th at the age of 80, and Muhsin Ertugrul, renowned Turkish actor and director who had important contributions to both Turkish theatre and Turkish cinema.
Following the opening remark, Gulriz Sururi and Engin Cezzar were presented with the honorary awards for their contributions to the modern Turkish theatre.
The third honorary award of this year`s festival will be given to worldwide famous director Eimuntas Nekrosius of Lithuania at a ceremony on May 25th.
More than 70 plays will be staged during the festival which will end on June 4th.
(UK-MS)