International Theatre Festival opens with a colorful parade

Denizli Metropolitan Municipality organized the 38th International Amateur Theatre Festival between 9 and 17 May 2026, launching the event with a parade march. Participants, including Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Ali Marım, Deputy Secretary General Özgür Başkurt, municipal bureaucrats, CHP Denizli Provincial Chairman Ali Osman Horzum, invited guests, and theatre groups, gathered in front of the Atatürk Monument near the Denizli Governorship building.

Accompanied by the Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Band, the parade march proceeded along Gazi Mustafa Kemal Boulevard and concluded at Delikliçınar Square. The march, which attracted great interest from residents, transformed the streets into an open-air stage. The stilt performances, acrobatic shows, and costumed characters presented by the Karabağlar Municipality City Theatre Contemporary Circus Arts Workshop added a unique atmosphere to the parade. Local and international theatre groups also invited the public to the festival by staging performances throughout the march.

The magic of theatre spread into the streets.

Speaking after the parade, Deputy Mayor Ali Marım emphasised the festival’s significant contribution to Denizli’s cultural life. In his speech, Marım noted that theatre is not only a performing art but also a powerful form of expression that unites societies, stating: “Every performance created with an amateur spirit is, in fact, the product of great dedication, belief, and cultural sharing. Denizli is proud to host this remarkable gathering as a city that supports and embraces the arts.” Marım also stated that the festival establishes an international cultural bridge for the city and thanked all participants.

Opening play ‘The Refugees’ received great acclaim

Following the speech, Marım welcomed representatives of the participating theatre groups and met with each team individually. The opening curtain of the festival was raised at the DBB Congress and Culture Centre Fatma Yıldız Hall with the play “The Refugees,” one of the standout productions of the season, staged by Denizli Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres. The play received great interest and applause from the audience. Throughout the festival, Denizli will continue to engage with the universal language of theatre through performances staged at various locations across the city. Theatre enthusiasts can access the festival program and online e-tickets for the performances they wish to attend via https://ebilet.denizli.bel.tr/.