Theater

What if tradition could tell a new story? Henna Night Reimagined transforms the traditional Turkish Henna Night into an inclusive performance that fosters a sense of belonging for all. Once a ritual focused solely on the bride-to-be, it now becomes a celebration for everyone—of love, care, and community that transcends all boundaries.
Through visual composition, modern storytelling, and audience participation, this performance challenges old norms and embraces diversity. It's a bold, creative reimagining of an ancient ritual, opening space for queer identities and exploring how we connect with each other and the world.
At its heart, Henna Night Reimagined weaves together one of humanity’s most pressing truths, reciprocal care, and it seeks to reconnect by ending division and moving beyond dualities. 
“Personal norms, identities, blueprints—less singular than we believe, mere echoes of a world already woven. They slip into our dreams, carve our desires, raise or lower the bar of enough—good enough, normal enough. To reach the self is to walk a path of aching questions: What is truly yours? What has been whispered into you by the world?” - Ipek Sur.

CREDITS:

Concept & Regie: Can Bora
Text: Can Bora 
Co-author:  Basak Layic 
Performers: Can Bora and Berat Bebek
Dramaturgy: Ipek Sur
Video: Can Bora & Batuhan Keskiner
Light Design: Can Bora & Elio Troullakis
Sound Design: Rens Blonk
Costumes: Thommy Kraft & Gizem Dogu
Technical Assistance: Elio Troullakis
Poster: Gizem Dogu
Photography: Batuhan Keskiner & Vladimir Vidanovski
Thanks to: Eylul Tombakoglu, Nurseda Risvanoglu, Ceren Sozer, Siir Duran, Melih Korukcu

This project has been a part of RRReuring Festival at Podium Mozaiek in 2024 and has been developed in residencies at CC AMSTEL and RedeMore PT and is generously supported by AFK, Amarte Fonds, Voordekunst, and Het Cultuurfonds.