ABOUT UTAD
The Turkish Society for Theatre Research (TSTR) (Turkish: Uluslararası Tiyatro Araştırmaları Derneği-UTAD) was founded in 2021 to promote communication and collaboration among scholars, academics, researchers, teachers, artists, thinkers, activists, actors, directors, playwrights, dramaturgs, theatre-makers, and theatre-lovers working in the field of Turkish and world theatre and performance. The TSTR represents and supports the broad field of theatre and performance studies through its collaboration with worldwide theatre research groups, theatre professionals, theatre organizations, and international communities.
Our work includes the important mission to inspire, engage, challenge, nurture, educate, and empower scholars, artists, audiences, and everybody with an interest in theatre in order to enhance the cultural landscape of Türkiye, making our country a more conscious and compassionate community. Ultimately, we look to celebrate the essential power of the theatre to illuminate our common humanity.
Vision
The Turkish Society for Theatre Research is committed to advancing education, practice, and research into Turkish theatre and performance through annual conferences, events, and publications. The TSTR serves as a bridge between Turkish theatre practices and scholarship by bringing academics and theatre-makers together.
The TSTR aspires to become a theatre powerhouse, integrating research and theatrical practice in and of Turkey, and be a worldwide recognized organization in the field of theatre.
Mission
The TSTR is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to “promote theatre, performance, and drama studies at national and international levels for the benefit of all people.” To fulfil this mission, the TSTR Board has set the following broad goals:
- Provide a voice for all those engaged with theatre and drama in and of Turkey and the world, their varied histories, methodologies, aesthetics, traditions, literatures, and performances within their cultural contexts.
- Promote research in the history and technique of Turkish and world theatre
- Enhance communication among scholars, practitioners, and the public
- Produce new knowledge about theatre and performance-related disciplines by providing an intellectual and artistic centre
- Promote understanding and education through theatre
- Provide a welcoming place for all people to share knowledge and practice within the field of theatre
- Strengthen and diversify the unique power of theatre and the arts to connect, develop, transform, and empower people to become active members and change makers in our country and the world
- Offer a wide range of opportunities to share experiences, problems, successes and love of theatre throughout the country
- Foster and conduct cutting-edge scientific research on theatre and performance both domestically and internationally
- Increase public engagement with theatre; create social cohesion, and increasing people’s influence on their own lives and cultural practices
- Establish national and international collaboration with reputed theatre groups and organizations
- Facilitate, share and develop innovative research projects that generate new knowledge
- Encourage research into past and present Turkish and world theatre practice
- Explore the national, international and global contexts of the production and reception of theatre wherever it is performed
- Attract funds to TSTR and generate income to support research and development
Turkish Society for Theatre Research is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advocate for the important values that theatre at all levels in Turkey bring to individuals as we work to expand hearts and minds through work both on the stage and off.
Values
Appropriate to the current state of the theatre research and practice we have five core values which underpin all the activities of the Society and act as a ‘toolkit’ to guide us in the way we meet our objects. The TSTR demonstrates as many of the values as appropriate in all with which it engages.
- Continual Learning and Growth: We embrace positive change. We look outside the walls of TSTR to learn and document new ways to do things better. We take risks, and turn both successes and failures into lessons learned. We pursue a creative and compassionate environment committed to integrity, dignity that demands dedication, pride, and respect. Ultimately, we strive for a standardized operation of the Society for scientific, artistic, programmatic and administrative excellence.
- Inspiration and transformation: We believe that theatre changes lives and the world. We strive to motivate positive change through theatre research and practice. We seek to empower theatre researchers and practitioners alike by giving voice to varying perspectives, and offering opportunities for growth and a space to connect.
- Representing all: We champion a community of diverse peoples, practices, and ideas. We strive for open and powerful communication and unprejudiced understanding that strengthen and enrich the world. In theatre, as in life, we believe that variety fosters a more interesting and vibrant whole while enabling a deeper appreciation of each part.
- Collaboration: We believe that the best ideas, performances, and results come through the meaningful convergence of ideas and perspectives amongst director, actor, writer, designer, and audience. Therefore, we strive to cultivate and protect an environment of collaboration within our organization, as well as seek opportunities to work cooperatively with others. We aim to be an important voice in the theatrical world by focusing on theatre locally that has an impact globally.
- Promoting Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: We celebrate individuality and honour diversity in all areas of our organization. We strive for excellence and recognize that our differences make us stronger. Therefore, we rigorously work to break down barriers to attending, learning, and creating theatre—including those based in race, gender, sexuality, ability and economics. We ultimately seek to foster and promote the celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an organization devoted to theatre, we believe that embracing differences is essential for us to not only survive, but thrive.