The Other Side of Hollywood Presented at Harvard University

Actor and writer Ayhan Hulagu, known for his work in traditional Turkish theatre, presented his solo performance The Other Side of Hollywood at Harvard University on March 30, where it attracted strong interest from both academics and students.

The event was presented by the US Karagoz Theatre Company and hosted by Harvard University’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) and Hayalhane-i Osmani. Professor Cemal Kafadar introduced Hulagu’s work, emphasizing his contemporary and intercultural approach to Karagöz shadow theatre. He noted:
 “Ayhan Hulagu brings a new vitality to Karagöz shadow theatre through his intercultural work, contemporary interpretation, and boundless imagination, distinguishing himself from his contemporaries.”

Following the performance, Hulagu led an interactive session demonstrating the making and performance techniques of traditional Turkish shadow theatre. He shared insights into his creative process and the development of his productions. Hulagu has previously adapted works such as Hamlet, Don Quixote, and The Thousand and One Nights into the language of Turkish shadow theatre.

The Other Side of Hollywood is a free adaptation of the Deli Dumrul story, a narrative recognized within UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage framework. In Hulagu’s contemporary interpretation, the story is transported to Hollywood, where the protagonist becomes Karagöz. The narrative unfolds as a symbolic journey between worlds, where Karagöz encounters figures such as William Shakespeare, Charlie Chaplin, and Marlon Brando.

All puppets are handcrafted using traditional leather techniques, and Hulagu performs all characters himself. Hulagu first appeared at Harvard as a guest artist in 2019 and returned in 2023 with a new production supported by the Harvard ArtLab. He has also presented his work at institutions including UC Berkeley, Cornell, Princeton, and Stanford.