Hamlet (Digital Stage series) (Çı̇çek, 2021)

Hamlet (Digital Stage series)

Hamlet

“Digital Stage” is a new online series produced by Zorlu PSM in collaboration with Based Istanbul and sponsored by Türk Tuborg A.Ş. Directed by İbrahim Çiçek, one of the most daring figures in Turkish theater, and featuring scenography by Ceyda Balaban and cinematography by Gizem Kızıl, this project offers a fresh take on classical plays by combining them with visual storytelling and bringing them to the digital world.

Each week, the series presents a different cult text with the help of talented actors from the theater stage. The first screening will showcase William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which is one of the most frequently staged plays in the world. In addition, texts from other classic works such as Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Anton Chekhov’s The Bear, The Seagull, Three Sisters, and Henrik Ibsen’s Nora will be presented in short story formats.

A timeless story…

In Hamlet, Çiçek offers a unique perspective on the timeless story, exploring themes such as privacy violations, betrayal, pride, and disappointment. With stunning performances by Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu and Damla Sönmez, the play questions whether we live in a world of cameras, mirrors, and selfies as much as we do in a world of swords, battles, and betrayal. The visual richness of Balaban’s stage design adds to the immersive experience, as Kızıl documents it all in a cinematic language. As the dilemma created by Ophelia’s ballads and Hamlet’s doomed betrayal deepens, the play shows how pride can destroy everything and how things could have been different if not for it.

Premiered Jan 7, 2021

Playwright: William Shakespeare

Adapted/ Directed by: İbrahim Çiçek

Cast: Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu – Damla Sönmez

Producer: Duygu Bayram, Zorlu PSM

Creative Producer: Duygu Bengi, Based Istanbul

Scenographer – Stage and Costume Design: Ceyda Balaban

Executive Producer: Miray Kaya

Project Manager: Levent Dokuzer

Project Coordinator: Gözde Tekay

Video Production: Metehan Öz

Costume Design: Burak Sanuk, Mert Yemenicioğlu

Music: Ömer Sarıgedik

Photograph: Burcu Karademir

Lighting: Hakan Kılıç

Director’s Assistant: Helin Irmak Demirel

Production Assistants: Eylül Yankın, Sıla Demiral

Stage Manager: Yılmaz Çoban

Audio: Erhan Yurtseven, Fatih Yücelli

Director of Photography: Can Tengiz, Behçet Mert Erbirer

Post Production: Zeynep Torun

Camera Assistants: Mehmet Emin Yücel, Murat Çağlayan

Poster Design: Ecem Tungaz

Sound Mixing: North Istanbul

Hair: Makas

Make-up: MAC Cosmetics Türkiye/ Hüseyin Kaygusuz

Costume: Simay Bülbül, Palaska, Salih Balta, Özlem Kaya, Özgür Masur, Manu Atelier

Duration: 19 Minutes

Translated by: İrem Taşcı