Tireswing Theatre Fall 2004

Written by Andrew Lines from classic Turkish tales

"One Day the Hodja" is a new adaptation following Turkey's most celebrated folk character--Nasreddin Hodja. Said to have lived in the 13th century, this trickster's legendary wit and tribulations have been the focus of many long tales and stories passed on from generation to generation. This simple man has not one ordinary moment. Even the most mundane event is turned into quite the spectacle when Hodja is around! Hodja, literally, means "teacher", and he is sure to raise questions, such as:

• How will he escape the mean shopkeeper?

• Why is Hodja wearing all those clothes in the middle of summer?

• Why is Hodja riding that donkey backwards?

Join us as we delve into Hodja's Islamic culture and explore the nature of faith, common sense and Turkish humor. The show will feature dance, song and shadow puppetry that are culturally specific to Turkey. 

One Day the Hodja was boasting about the power of his faith. "If your faith is so strong, then pray for that mountain to come to you," said a skeptic, pointing to a mountain in the distance. The Hodja prayed fervently, but the mountain did not move. He prayed more, but the mountain remained unmoved. Finally the Hodja got up from his knees and began walking toward the mountain. "I am a humble man," he said, "and the faith of Islam is a practical one. If the mountain will not come to the Hodja, then the Hodja will go to the mountain." (excerpt)

At the Mercury Theater
3745 North Southport
Chicago, Illinois
September 15th- October 24th, 2004
Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Saturday at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
$15 General
$10 Kids Under 12, Seniors & Students

TIRESWING THEATRE GOES GLOBAL!

NTV from Istanbul is interviewing TIRESWING THEATRE for Turkish TV!

See the flyer (Word document)

Send an e-mail to:

info@tireswingtheatre.org