"I have dedicated my life to theater."
Vehbi Koç Foundation annually awards those persons and institutions that contribute to quality of life in the fields of culture, education and health with their exceptional work. This year the award on culture went to Genco Erkal and his theater company Dostlar Tiyatrosu (Friends Theater) which is celebrating its 64th year.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Koç Holding Board Chairman Ömer M. Koç RC 80 stated that Genco Erkal and Dostlar Tiyatrosu have helped the love for theater to grow in Turkey and have contributed to the development of many theater artists. In his acceptance speech, Erkal said he reached the pinnacle of his 64-year career with this award: “I have dedicated my life to theater and wish to continue till the end. This award encourages and also gives great responsibility. I have planned to donate the majority of the financial part of this award to the education of girls and to earthquake survivors.”
As the creative director of Dostlar Tiyatrosu, Erkal directed and acted in plays by Gorki, Brecht and Havel, as well as Vasıf Öngören, Haldun Taner and Refik Erduran. He has performed the poet Nazım Hikmet’s work throughout his career and states he first came across the poet’s work during his college years.
Indeed, Erkal has often credited his time at RC as solidifying his passion for theater. He had roles in eight productions, in English and Turkish, and was the president of the Robert College Players. Erkal even came back to campus after his graduation to produce Jean Cocteau’s monologue during the 1959-1960 season.
Published July 2023
