Turkish Shadow Theatre THE FOREST OF THE WITCH Will Come to The Puppet Co.

Traditional Turkish shadow theatre will arrive in Maryland this spring as the internationally touring US Karagoz Theatre Company presents The Forest of the Witch at The Puppet Co. in Glen Echo, Maryland from May 2nd - May 24th, 2026.

Presented as part of The Puppet Co.'s Mainstage Guest Artist program, the production brings one of the world's oldest Living Theatre traditions to Washington-area audiences through a contemporary visual storytelling approach. With a history spanning more than 700 years, Karagöz is one of the world's oldest shadow theatre traditions and is recognized by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Through Ayhan Hulagu's contemporary interpretation, this ancient art form blends traditional techniques with modern theatrical storytelling.

Founded in Washington DC in 2017, the US Karagoz Theatre Company tours internationally with productions inspired by Karagöz shadow theatre and Meddah storytelling traditions, both rooted in centuries-old Turkish performance culture.

The Forest of the Witch is a contemporary interpretation of the 700-year-old Turkish shadow theatre tradition Karagöz. Combining handcrafted translucent puppets made from camel and buffalo hide with live performance, music, humor, and visual theatre aesthetics, the production offers audiences a visually immersive theatrical experience rooted in ancient storytelling traditions.

The production previously made history as the first traditional Turkish shadow theatre performance presented on Broadway. In addition to touring performances across the United States, the US Karagoz Theatre Company has participated in numerous national and international festivals, including the 65th National Puppetry Festival, Hollywood Fringe Festival, Great Plains Puppet Festival, and the 34th Neapolis International Children's Theatre Festival.

The company has also presented performances, exhibitions, workshops, and lectures at more than 25 universities throughout the United States, including Princeton University, Cornell University, UC Berkeley, MIT, Stanford University, and Harvard University.

With productions that bridge ancient storytelling traditions and contemporary theatre-making, the US Karagoz Theatre Company continues introducing audiences across the United States to one of Turkey's most celebrated theatrical art forms.

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