As you're probably aware, discussions on the EU have reached a high point lately. Debates have increased to such an extent that they almost threaten to topple the government. Meanwhile, Parliament is constantly passing new laws and creating new legislation in order to keep the promises it has made. Those in favor of joining the EU, as well as those opposed to it are both clarifying their positions. The country has been discussing whether or not to become Europeans for a long time, though somewhat belatedly. Conferences, panels, forums, on-air debates, scores of television programs. We are talking ceaselessly, seeking to answer the question of what is to be done and how it is to be done. Some are afraid of missing the boat and some call it a ship of fools. Some say "join if you dare", others retort "stop us if you dare" and both are accompanied by the chorus of dejected voices that claim "they'll never let us join anyways." As the Republic nears its 80th anniversary, people's faiths are renewed with republican marches and Turkey struggles fitfully at the verge of a new process.
You might also have noticed that discussion and action on the matter is centered entirely around economy and politics. A number of topics, such as economic adaptation, the restructuring of social life or the reorganization of the political structure are brought up and argued endlessly. Yet, in all the programs, interviews and debates, I have not even encountered a few sentences, let alone a headline, addressing what should be done in the fields of arts and culture. And if my own inattention and obliviousness are not to blame for this situation, then we are in some very serious trouble. We will once again be caught unprepared for the predicament in which we will soon find ourselves.
It seems the officials are still holding fast to their timeworn attitude regarding culture and the arts, which is a generally dismissive, "can't be bothered with that now" approach. Yet we thought that arrangements regarding arts and culture were one of the crucial conditions of entering the EU. If we will be served sufficiently by a hastily thrown together copyrights law and a neighbor law, which no one has any idea how to apply, then that's just dandy.
I don't have the slightest idea how to answer the question I posed at the beginning of the article! There are plenty of rumors circulating on the subject. The most widespread rumor of late holds that subsidized theaters will be shut down in 2004. And if you should happen to ask "what happens next?" your answer will be "god only knows." I'm afraid things may go from bad to worse any moment.
So, where are our mighty, fearsome organizations? What of our foundations, associations, alliances and unions; where are they and what are they doing? What kind of preparations, projects or efforts have they made to communicate the significance of the matter to us, and to the general public? Or, as always, are we going to be too busy slinging mud at each other and digging each other's holes so that an outsider comes along to say "here you go, we did what was necessary in your absence. Like it or not!" leaving us to stare at our shoes in embarrassment?
We're falling behind! I warn you. It's time we all gave the matter some thought, then rolled up our sleeves and got down to business.
I hope "tiyatrokeyfi.com" creates a suitable platform for this purpose.
I congratulate everyone who has contributed to it.
All the best.
Murat Karasu
Istanbul State Theatre
Player, Director
Translated by Pelin Ariner
