The opera “Ja, Şeküre”, adapted from the novel “My Name is Red” by Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk in 1998, met with the audience at the Poznań Malta Festival on September 7.
The play “Ja, Şeküre” (I, Şeküre), produced by the Polish Juliusz Słowacki Theater and based on the novel “My Name is Red,” highlights the challenges and limitations faced by women in a male-dominated society. It focuses on the character of Shekure as a symbol of resilience and strength. In the adaptation by the renowned Polish composer Aleksander Nowak, Shekure takes on the role of the narrator, sharing her experiences, desires, and struggles with sincerity.
Pamuk, who watched the opera said: ‘‘I watched this modern and classical opera last night that sometimes excited me. The music had a difficult and experimental side, but also a very classical side. I found myself tearing up during some parts. One reason for this is that the protagonist of the opera shares the same name as my late mother, Şeküre.’’
Pamuk added that this opera project had begun in 2012, and he had anticipated his mother, Shekure, being involved in some way.
‘‘For years, I had dreamed of attending the opera “Ben, Şeküre” (Ja, Şeküre) with my mother. However, since she passed away five months ago at the age of 102, I feel the sadness of not being able to share this experience with her. The opera, named “I, Şeküre,” reflects the talent of the artist Aleksander Nowak, both in terms of libretto and music. Nowak and his colleagues are looking to bring “I, Shekure” to Istanbul, which leaves me feeling excited and conflicted about the impact of this work.’’
The Juliusz Słowacki Theater, founded in 1893, has been a prominent fixture in Polish theater. It is known for its innovative approaches to classical and contemporary works. Composer Aleksander Nowak, who adapted the novel into an opera, is known for his focus on opera and drama, often collaborating with contemporary writers. In this contemporary opera interpretation of “My Name is Red,” composer Nowak is accompanied by a 30-person orchestra conducted by Maciej Tomasiewicz. Soprano Aleksandra Żakiewicz plays the character “Shekure,” while tenor Bartosz Gorzkowski plays the character “Kara.”
