One of the most striking tales of the Dede Korkut cycle, Deli Dumrul explores the thin line between life and death through themes of power, pride, fear, and transformation. Dumrul, who builds a bridge over a dry riverbed and charges those who cross it, is reckless enough to challenge Azrael himself. Yet when he is confronted with the reality of death, his journey turns into a story of humanity reshaped by love and sacrifice. In this sense, Deli Dumrul is not only a heroic figure of the past, but also a symbolic mirror held up to the people of today.
On December 6, 2025, the world premiere of “Deli Dumrul” brought this timeless story to the stage through modern dance, presenting it with a contemporary stage language at the Turkish State Opera and Ballet Ankara Stage. The work, interpreted as a contemporary/modern dance piece, combines the dynamic nature of movement with stage, set, lighting, and video projection, transforming the performance into an interdisciplinary visual and auditory experience. Drawing from tradition yet reshaped by a contemporary choreographic language and technological means, the piece offers the audience a performance rich in both physical and emotional intensity.
Creative Team:
Creator & Choreography: Bürge Kayacan
Set and Stage Design: Aydan Çınar
Lighting Design: Bülent Arslan
Video Mapping: İhsan Berke Saraçoğlu
Music: Emre Kesim
