Unofficial Roxelana
by Ozen Yula
18-19 September 2026, 7:30pm
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.
Premiered in 2024 in London as a collaboration between Nefes Productions and Asmalı Sahne London, the production played to sold-out audiences, building a strong bond with spectators.
Our goal is to bring Hürrem’s multilayered world to diverse cultures, to showcase the original storytelling style of Turkish theatre, and to draw audiences into this magical world.
Cast:
Petek Kirboga
Dilek Yorulmaz
This show will be performed in Turkish with English surtitles. Show lasts 60 minutes with no interval. This show is for all ages.
