Acclaimed Turkish actor brings his innovative solo production to London audiences in both Turkish and English, with support from Yunus Emre Institute London.
Following its UK premiere at Camden Fringe in August, acclaimed Turkish actor and director Mehmet Ali Nuroğlu returned to London with his solo production DÜNYADA (On Earth), presented as part of Voilà! Theatre Festival 2026, with the support of Yunus Emre Institute London.
Presented by Vertov Film Theatre, the production was staged in English at The Space on 5, 6 and 8 November, while a special Turkish-language performance took place at Yunus Emre Institute London on 7 November. The performances offered audiences the opportunity to experience this distinctive theatrical work in two languages, further strengthening its connection with London's diverse theatre community.
A contemporary reinterpretation of American playwright Will Eno's Title and Deed, DÜNYADA combines theatre, live cinema, projected imagery and sound to explore themes of belonging, identity, displacement and the human search for connection. With sponsorship from Fujifilm, the production brings cinematic techniques into the theatrical space, creating an immersive visual experience. Through an intimate solo performance and innovative storytelling, Nuroğlu invites audiences to reflect on the experience of being a stranger and the universal desire to find one's place in the world.
Recognised at the 2026 TEB Theatre Critics' Awards and international fringe festivals, the production reflects Nuroğlu's distinctive approach to contemporary theatre, bringing together cinematic techniques and live performance to create a layered theatrical experience.
The London presentation of DÜNYADA was organised by Ziyi Cao, producer and event manager, and Joy Li, co-producer and marketing partner, working alongside an international creative and technical team. The production continued its international journey with performances at Voilà! Theatre Festival and a special Turkish-language staging at Yunus Emre Institute London.
The Institute's support for the production reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting contemporary Turkish performing arts in the United Kingdom and creating opportunities for Turkish artists to engage with international audiences. By supporting both the English-language festival performances and the Turkish-language presentation, Yunus Emre Institute London contributed to bringing this innovative work to a wider audience.
Following its successful UK debut earlier this year, DÜNYADA's return to London marked another important step in the production's international journey, highlighting the creative vitality of contemporary Turkish theatre and its growing presence on London's cultural stage.
