Ankara State Opera to host Russian dancer

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Irek Mukhamedov will take the stage in Turkey with ‘Zorba the Greek.’

The Ankara State Opera and Ballet (ADOB) will host Russian dancer Irek Mukhamedov in its “Zorba the Greek” ballet. At a press conference, State Opera and Ballet General Director Rengim Gökmen said the show would be on May 11 and 12 at ATO Congresium.

The venue supports Ankara’s culture and art life, Gökmen said, adding that the city needed more venues for such events.

“It will be a first for the capital as ‘Zorba the Greek’ is an internationally known work and Mukhamedov will be on stage. He is one of the most important ballet dancers in the world. The audience will see the magic of dance, and the dancer’s charisma on the stage,” he said, adding that the season would end with the “Zorba” ballet, which has been adapted from Nikos Kazancakis’ famous novel and staged with the unique music of Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.

ADOB Director and Art Director Aykut Çınar said the performance would be a full festival of arts for the audience. He said t a 60-person orchestra would accompany Mukhamedov.