What is Karagöz shadow theatre?
Karagöz is a traditional shadow theatre performed with figures behind a lit screen. Its namesake characters are familiar figures of verbal humor.
Form and practice
1. Origins and scope Karagöz developed within Ottoman-era performance traditions. Its characters and sections changed over time; performers adapt a living repertoire rather than reciting a fixed script. 2. How it is practised A puppeteer called hayalî moves colored leather figures with rods behind a screen. Backlighting, voices, imitation and rhythm animate them. Making figures and performing require related skills.
Meaning and safeguarding
3. Social meaning and transmission Humor uses misunderstandings and social types. Historical accents and stereotypes should be interpreted critically today. Performances create a shared audience experience. 4. Life today and safeguarding Schools, festivals and workshops introduce new audiences. Safeguarding includes training puppeteers, documenting oral material and teaching screen and figure techniques.