The Paranoia of a State Scared of Colors

A fly swatter to be used at a theater play, "Gavara," by Mahir Gunsiray was seen as "objectionable," and was seized by the public prosecutorship. The plays's actors and actresses said this was tragicomical and called on all actors and actresses to put forth a joint reaction.

The fly swatter used in the theater play in the southeastern province of Hakkari during the "Art Bridges to the East Festival," had the colors of "green, claret red, red, orange and yellow in a random order." The public prosecutorship seized the flyswatter. The actors and actresses of the play were interrogated.

The colors of red, yellow and green are associated with the Kurdish rebels in Turkey who fought for autonomy for 15 years.

Gunsiray decided not to stage the play. The case will be sent to the Van State Security Court (DGM). Ali Koroglu: We were detained and stood trial for the Kurdish theater plays we staged.

The increase in the artistic activities in southeastern Turkey is worrying those who want the pressures and strict controls in the region to continue. They are trying to prevent the cultural and artistic activities in the region. And they are trying to justify this by  doing things like coming up with objectionable colors. Their aim is to prevent the people in the region from becoming conscious.

Emre Kinay: If colors disturb them this much, we would have to paint everything in black and white. At a time when Turkey is spending effort to join the European Union, and when Kurdish broadcasts are allowed, such an event is very conflicting.

Genco Erkal: This nonsense needs to end at once.

Julide Kural: In a society who is afraid of art and afraid of itself, such

things will take place frequently in the future too.

"I am sad that the state is paranoid"

Lale Mansur: I am upset to see that the state is becoming more and more

paranoid. In a country where books are burnt, not only actors, actresses,

writers or artists but everyone has to react.

Tilbe Saran: This incidents is a violation of rights and freedoms of not

only actors and actresses but all the people. We have to resist getting

used to such things and show our reaction...(OG/BB/NK/EA/NM)