A concubine, an empire...
And a story never told by official history.
Unofficial Roxelana brings to the stage the untold story of Hürrem Sultan, one of the most powerful female figures of the Ottoman Empire. Her journey from concubinage to the heart of the palace, and from there to becoming a woman who shaped the destiny of an empire, is retold through masks, shadow theatre, and authentic Ottoman music.
This project brings to life the eternal thirst for power, the invisible strength of women, and a confrontation with collective memory. Hürrem’s story whispers questions not only from the past but also from our present.
Cast:
Petek Kirboga
Dilek Yorulmaz
The show lasts for an hour without an interval. The show is performed in Turkish with surtitles.
Check out our sister venue, Arches Lane Theatre
Next door from the iconic Battersea Power Station, Arches Lane Theatre is welcoming audiences from far and wide, while at the same time keeping the local focus so deeply embedded in the Kibo ethos. And on a sunny day, it's only a 20 minutes bike ride from Barons Court!
Speaking a story can be an act of letting in light.
Anne Bogart
