THE FOREST OF THE WITCH To Be Presented At at The Puppet Co.

Ayhan Hulagu will appear as a Mainstage Guest Artist at The Puppet Co. throughout May, presenting his internationally acclaimed solo production The Forest of the Witch, a contemporary interpretation of traditional Turkish shadow theatre.

The production opens on May 2 and will run for 30 performances through the end of the month, offering audiences in the Washington, D.C. area a rare cultural experience rooted in a 700-year-old theatrical tradition.

Produced by the U.S. Karagoz Theatre Company, The Forest of the Witch has been staged at numerous international festivals, including the National Puppetry Festival, NYC Puppet Fringe, and the Neapolis Children's Theatre Festival, among many others. Ayhan HUlagu has also toured nearly 40 U.S. states and been presented across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Africa.

With a history spanning over 700 years, Turkish shadow theatre-known as Karagöz-is one of the world's oldest shadow play traditions and is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In Hulagu's original solo performance, this rich tradition is reimagined through The Forest of the Witch, merging past and present in a playful, unexpected, and visually striking way.

A distinctive hallmark of the work is its fully auteur-driven creation: every aspect of the production-from puppet design and construction to writing and performance-is created and executed by Hulagu himself. An accomplished actor and writer in addition to a puppeteer, Hulagu brings a singular artistic vision to the stage, embodying all characters and crafting a complete theatrical world as a solo performer.

Inspired by Muhittin Sevilen's traditional play The Bloody Poplar, The Forest of the Witch is a contemporary adaptation that bridges traditional Turkish shadow theatre with modern storytelling. The production captures the humor and sensibility of today's American audiences while remaining faithful to its classical roots. The work has been recognized as a powerful example of intercultural dialogue, notably highlighted at Stanford University as a bridge between traditions.

Blending historical form with contemporary elements, the production introduces familiar figures such as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Elton John into its narrative, creating an engaging and accessible experience for modern audiences.

Performed entirely in English, the production follows classical Ottoman-era techniques: each puppet is handcrafted by the artist from camel or water buffalo hide, painted with natural dyes, and animated behind an illuminated screen. As in traditional Karagöz performances, all characters are voiced and brought to life by a single performer.

A cornerstone of puppetry in the Washington, D.C. region, The Puppet Co. has long been celebrated for its dedication to high-quality, artist-driven productions and for introducing diverse audiences to both classic and contemporary puppetry. By hosting Ayhan Hulagu as a Mainstage Guest Artist, the theatre continues its mission of presenting internationally significant work while fostering cultural exchange through the art of puppetry.

Hulagu is widely regarded as one of the foremost contemporary representatives of traditional Turkish theatre, and among the first names that come to mind globally when the art form is discussed. A New York-based actor, writer, and puppeteer, he moved to the United States in 2017 and founded both the U.S. Karagoz Theatre Company and Studio Garage. Alongside his work in traditional theatre, Hulagu has also received international recognition for his film and stage projects, earning critical acclaim across multiple countries. His work continues to tour extensively across the United States, accompanied by masterclasses and educational programs at leading academic institutions.

The Puppet Co

May 2nd - May 24th, 2026

Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30am

Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am, 1pm, and 3pm