Magical Curtain is a Karagöz-Hacivat performance group to introduce Anatolian Shadow Puppetry in the Bay Area and use it as a means to express our experiences here as immigrants and use the art form as a connector between cultures.

Karagöz-Hacivat is known as one of the oldest shadow performances in the world dating back to nearly 700 years. Karagoz was inscribed on the UNESCO representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2009.

Magical Curtain is an Anatolian Arts Institute project supported by CMES -Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of California, Berkeley-, and a recipient of YBCA Artist Power Convenings grant that aims to build the capacity of artists and artist-led organizations in service of their communities. The project is fiscally sponsored by SOMArts.

 
 

  • 2 MODULES:

    1. Intro to traditional Anatolian Shadow Theater and Karagoz - VIRTUAL

    October 26th, 2022 5 pm - 7 pm (Pacific Time)

    Location: Online

    Our guest speaker Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ozbek will present traditional Anatolian theatre forms.

    Puppetmaster Ayhan Hulagu will make an introduction to the history of shadow theatre driving concepts from many traditions worldwide, elaborating on the cross-cultural journey of Karagoz throughout Anatolian region and beyond.

    Puppetmaster Ayhan Hulagu will talk about the history of the Karagoz and demonstrate how it is performed (as listed on the UNESCO intangible heritage list).

    Participants will listen to the traditional music specially made for Karagoz art.

    Participants will explore a classic shadow play text and learn the traditional sounds of characters.

    2. Karagoz ​Hands-on Weekend Intensive - IN-PERSON

    November 5th and 6th, 2022 10 am-4 pm.

    Location:​ Center for Middle Eastern Studies

    University of California, Berkeley

    340 Stephens Hall, Berkeley

    CA 94720-2314

    Participants will learn how to make two main characters for their own shadow play, Karagoz.

    Participants will have the chance to study puppets made following traditional methods established over 700 hundred years ago.

    Participants will have the chance to perform part of the Karagoz show on an original stage with Ayhan Hulagu.

    The workshop and the end show will be recorded partially and shared publicly.

  • Join the performance group and artist convenings to bring Magical Curtain to communities.

  • Come to our shows, volunteer and support us financially.