The panto is a form of British theater performed at Christmastime. Unlike the silent form of mime associated with the word pantomime, these performances are fun, raucous family-oriented productions with stories loosely based on children’s fairy tales. It is usual in pantomime to reverse the roles of the principle characters. The hero is acted by a young woman and the Dame, usually the principle boy’s mother and the leading comic character, is played by a man.
Exaggeration is a prime factor. The good fairies and good guys are really, really good and the baddies are really, really horrid. To add further spice to the drama and mystery, the traditional British panto incorporates the music hall all-time favorites of lots of singing, lots of dancing and many bright and wild costumes.
This year’s İstanbul panto production, ‘Sinbad and the Jewel of Miracles,’ is a good old-fashioned adventure yarn. It is particularly topical, actually having its impetus and conclusion set in the city of its performance. In this creative offshoot of the familiar childhood tales, the evil sorcerer Nastase steals the Jewel of Miracles from its owner, the Sultana of İstanbul |
The origins of British panto date back to the 17th century and blend the traditions of the Italian Commedia dell’arte, and the British music hall. Commedia dell’arte was a traveling street entertainment which employed a very physical type of theater that used dance, music, tumbling, acrobatics and buffoonery to enhance audience’s enjoyment of the storyline. Characters from the plots of Commedia dell’arte first began to appear in English plays around 1660. Today, this peculiar but popular form of entertainment remains as much a part of Britain’s heritage as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, warm beer and cricket. Most towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom play host to a production of pantomime around the Christmas period. Not only are the pantos performed in venues ranging from the top theaters in the land to local village halls and community centers, they are also brought to foreign countries by expatriates who want to share their idea of holiday fun.
This year’s İstanbul panto production, “Sinbad and the Jewel of Miracles,” is a good old-fashioned adventure yarn. It is particularly topical, actually having its impetus and conclusion set in the city of its performance. In this creative offshoot of the familiar childhood tales, the evil sorcerer Nastase steals the Jewel of Miracles from its owner, the Sultana of İstanbul. Sinbad is called on to help recover the stolen jewel. However, the search attempt seemingly ends in failure when Sinbad’s ship, the Argo, is wrecked on the shores of Cyprus and the Sultana’s daughter Jasmin is abducted along the way. The following plotline tells of Sinbad’s efforts to defeat Nastase, to return the Sultana’s jewel to its rightful owner and to rescue the Sutlana’s more precious gem, her daughter, into the bargain. Fun and thrills come thick and fast as Sinbad tracks down nasty Nastase from the Cave of Skulls to the Temple of Oblivion.
Though not one of the original “Seven Adventures of Sinbad,” the story reflects similar morals; the importance of creativity, self-belief and courage. Whether he’s braving dangerous creatures or evil tyrants such as the sorcerer Nastase, Sinbad never relies on mere chance. Instead he takes matters into his own hands, finding solutions to seemingly insurmountable obstacles by using his ingenuity, diplomacy and strength.
Hold onto your seats for the drama. Hold onto your sides from laughter at the slapstick humor. Cheer on the heroes -- or the villains if you so choose.
Expect plenty of audience participation by calling out, “It’s behind you!” and “Oh, no it isn’t!” and “Oh, yes it is!” at appropriate moments. Enter into the spirit of things and you’ll have a great time! With all the ingredients, including topical jokes and camp villainy and the kitchen sink, “Sinbad and the Jewel of Miracles” promises to be suitable entertainment for everyone from the age of 3 to 103.
The 2009 show is produced by the British Community Council (BCC), an organization which carries out local charitable work. The BCC has been a movement for the good of the community in İstanbul for over 80 years. During this time, it has worked towards improving British-Turkish relations. A main part of its work is supporting elderly people who otherwise might be virtually destitute.
For over 20 years, the BCC has brought a pantomime to the stage in İstanbul at Christmastime. Pantomime is especially exciting when you remember that for many children a visit to the pantomime is the time when they first experience the joys of seeing live theater.
For some of the cast, it is their first experience of panto or even of any on-stage performance, whereas others are old hands who enjoy joining in the shows year after year. The actors come from all walks of life; some are teachers in schools and universities in İstanbul, some are businesspeople, some work in marketing and others work in consulates. An integral part of the pantomime is the junior chorus, which gives young children an opportunity to act along with experienced adults. Filiz Güven, who plays the part of Suki, one of the courtesans, started in her first pantomime years ago in the junior chorus and has come up through the ranks to her first adult role. Feel free to give her a big cheer on her initial appearance.
This year’s performance is produced by Nikki Dereboy, directed by Debbie Abbott, and choreographed by Simay Erdoğan and Esen Bozkaya. The musical director is Caroline Tyler. Stage scenery is courtesy of Katie Shields, who will be arriving just in the nick of time from her Thanksgiving trip to her home in America.
Performances at Şişli Terakki Vakfı Theater:
Friday, Dec. 11, 20:00
Saturday, Dec. 12, 14:00 and 19:00
Sunday Dec. 13, 13:00
Tickets available from:
Greenhouse Books -- Kadıköy 0216 550 4961
Kay’s Café -- Cihangir 0533 325 4334
Homer Books -- Beyoğlu 0212 249 5902
Julie -- Levent 0535 558 9484
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