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Zorlu Performing Arts Center (Zorlu PSM) has launched its 13th season with an extensive program of international productions, original in-house shows, major concerts, and new initiatives for young audiences.
The Istanbul venue, which has welcomed more than 8 million visitors in 12 years, continues to expand its role as one of Türkiye’s leading cultural hubs.
At the season launch, Zorlu PSM General Manager Filiz Ova said the venue works to surpass expectations every year.
“We believe art is not just entertainment but a powerful tool that transforms societies and inspires imagination. Each season we work to surpass the previous one, and we are excited to open our 13th season,” she said.
Almost 40% of this year’s program will feature foreign productions and artists. Ova also announced a youth ticket category with discounts of 15% to 25% for audiences aged 18–25, supported by Garanti BBVA. A large-scale Christmas Village will open on Nov. 15 with a bigger market, ice rink, and spaces for children.
Zorlu PSM Deputy General Manager Levent Dokuzer highlighted global collaborations.
“We are hosting Ars Electronica, regarded as one of the world’s top digital arts festivals for nearly 50 years in Austria,” he said.
The festival will run Oct. 21–28, using all Zorlu PSM spaces with multi-screen installations, free film screenings, panels, and a Two Lanes concert.
Other major acts this season include Aurora McDonald, Alfa Mist, Blind Guardian, Boa, Bonobo, Elijah Fox, Ichiko Aoba, Isabel La Rosa, James Hype, Kerala Dust, Mammal Hands, Marisa Monte, Nina Kraviz, Oscar and the Wolf, Peter Bence, Sabaton, Starsailor, Weval, and Yousuke Yukimatsu.
Notable productions and musicals:
Original stage productions return alongside new premieres
Zorlu PSM will debut several original shows:
Popular titles such as “Afife” with Demet Evgar, “Insanlar Mekanlar Nesneler” with Merve Dizdar and Kerem Arslanoglu, and the technology-driven dance and music show “1923” will return. The latter will give its final performance on Oct. 29.
Comedy and entertainment events include Cem Yilmaz’s “CMXXIV”, Tolgshow, Kaan Sekban Sacmalar, Teomanin Koyu Antolojisi, and Harun Tekin Test 1-2-3.
Festivals, family events, summer series at Zorlu PSM
For younger audiences, the Zorlu Children’s Theater will stage “Ezop Masallari” and “Vay Canina! Gece Olmus.” The troupe also tours earthquake-affected areas, reaching about 10,000 children to date.
Behind-the-scenes tours such as the Unseen Tour and Unseen Kids (ages 8–12) continue this season.
Zorlu PSM expands its PSM Atolye talent program, which has produced 29 original plays and 89 graduates in four years.
The PSM Akademi also continues with partner universities to strengthen the technical side of the arts, having already graduated 45 participants.
Through the “My First Theater, My First Concert” initiative, more than 6,000 people from disadvantaged areas have attended shows for free. The goal is to reach 15,000 by 2030.
The Mehmet Zorlu Foundation will also provide scholarships to fine arts students in Türkiye, starting this October, in collaboration with university bursary offices.
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