03/11/2026
In November, the Sabancı University Performing Arts Center (SGM) will welcome art enthusiasts with a rich program featuring theater productions and concerts. The schedule begins with “Battle of the Giants” (Devlerin Savaşı), starring Okan Bayülgen, and continues with the “Sabancı Acoustic Sessions,” which will bring together Sena Gül (Paptircem), Sufle, and Deniz Tekin on the same stage.
The November program also includes “Elephants and Ants” Filler ve Karıncalar)—adapted from the work of Yaşar Kemal—as well as “The 9/8-Beat Apocalypse” (9/8’lik Kıyamet), a play centered on the climate crisis, and “And Then There Were None” (10 Kişiydiler), performed by the Sabancı University Theater Club (SUOyuncuları). The month concludes with a concert by the Nemeth Quartet.
“Battle of the Giants” on the SGM Stage
“Battle of the Giants” will be performed on Wednesday, November 4, at 8:00 PM. Inspired by the lives of two titans of the classical music world, conductors Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein, the play explores the rivalry, jealousy, and mutual admiration that defined their relationship.
Written by Peter Danish, translated by Sevin Okyay, and directed by Nihal Usanmaz, the production features Okan Bayülgen, Celal Kadri Kınoğlu, and Nihal Usanmaz. With Okan Bayülgen serving as artistic director, the play is presented by Kabare Dada & Onkcontent.
An Acoustic Music Encounter: Sabancı Acoustic Sessions
On Thursday, November 12, at 8:00 PM, SGM will host the “Sabancı Acoustic Sessions Vol. 1” concert. Sena Gül (Paptircem), Sufle, and Deniz Tekin will share the stage, presenting acoustic renditions of their beloved songs.
Aimed at bringing a raw and intimate musical experience to the audience, this concert will be one of the musical highlights of the November program.
Yaşar Kemal’s `Elephants and Ants on Stage
Elephants and Ants, an adaptation of Yaşar Kemal’s novel, The Sultan of the Elephants and the Red-Bearded Lame Ant, will be performed at SGM on Tuesday, November 17, at 8:00 PM.
Adapted for the stage and directed by Arzu Gamze Kılınç, the play employs a fable-like narrative to explore the resistance of the oppressed against capitalist exploitation and cultural assimilation. While the ants represent collective strength and solidarity, the Sultan of the Elephants embodies oppressive authority; the work delves into themes such as cultural identity, class conflict, and the struggle against injustice.
Featuring music by Berkay Özideş, with choreography and lighting design by Muhammet Uzuner, the play stars Boran Özsaygı, Canberk Dikmen, Can Seçki, Derya Özsoy, Dorukhan Kenger, Erdi Öztürk, Murat Aytekin, Nihal Parlak, Onur Çolak, Seren Köken, and Serhat Güney.
A Unique Perspective on the Climate Crisis: 9/8-Beat Apocalypse
Written by Şâmil Yılmaz, 9/8-Beat Apocalypse (9/8’lik Kıyamet) will be presented on the SGM stage on Thursday, November 19, at 8:00 PM. Set in a near-future world undergoing a profound transformation due to the climate crisis, the play explores the relationships people forge amidst migration, hunger, famine, and social conflict.
At the heart of the story is Diyar, a storyteller from a nomadic community known as the "Parasites." Through the tales Diyar recounts, accompanied by the rhythm of a darbuka, the audience is transported to Istanbul during the early days of the climate crisis. The play examines the importance of solidarity and collective action during a period of radical global change.
Directed by Sezen Keser, this one-person show features Oğulcan Arman Uslu. With costume design by Hilal Polat and lighting design by Utku Kaya, the production is presented with the support of Koma Sahnesi.
SUOyuncuları Takes the Stage with "And Then There Were None"
Following their October performance of "Anatomy of a Writer," the Sabancı University Theater Club (SUOyuncuları) returns to the stage in November. On Tuesday, November 24, at 8:00 PM, the club will present "And Then There Were None", a mystery play adapted from the work of Agatha Christie.
The story begins when ten strangers are invited to a remote island; as the guests are forced to confront accusations regarding their pasts, a series of deaths unfolds on the island. Cut off from the outside world, the group must attempt to identify the killer among them in order to survive.
The play, translated by Savaş Özdural, is directed by Baran Tarım, Erdal Berkay Kuş, Ferruh Tan Güremek, Irmak Tüysüz, and Talat Sami Çıbık. The cast includes Ali Fazlı Özcan, Baran Tarım, Defne Düşünür, Delfin Çelik, Ege Güray Ertan, Egemen Günay, Erdal Berkay Kuş, Ferruh Tan Güremek, Irmak Tüysüz, and Kaan Kalaycı.
November Program to Conclude with a Concert by the Nemeth Quartet
The November program at the Sabancı University Performing Arts Center will conclude with a concert by the Nemeth Quartet on Thursday, November 26, at 8:00 PM.
One of Türkiye’s leading chamber music ensembles, the Nemeth Quartet consists of violinists Gülen Ege Serter and Şeniz Serter, violist Pınar Basalak, and cellist Mutlu Varlık Kocaili.
The ensemble, which brings Türkiye’s musical heritage to international audiences and has premiered numerous Turkish works, is noted for its extensive repertoire. Named "Chamber Music Ensemble of the Year" at the 2017 Donizetti Classical Music Awards, the Nemeth Quartet is also the recipient of the 2025 BESOM "Best Performance Award."
Having performed in many countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, the ensemble is well-known for its appearances at international festivals and its various artistic collaborations.
Tickets for the November events at the Sabancı University Performing Arts Center are available via Biletix.
