The Impact of Alternative Theater Stages on Public Spaces within the Context of Publicness in Kadikoy

Abstract

This study defines a theoretical frame that associates the concept of the public sphere as a significant component of public life with the concept of public space based on the common ground of publicness. The concepts of 'publicness' and the 'public sphere', which are used in an explanatory manner for forming common life, also reach beyond this in their consideration of social life as a socialization environment. These issues were discussed based on different approaches. Considering a basic definition of the public sphere as a discussion environment, an argument is made that this discussion environment is supported by the production of ideas. Newly-formed theater environment might have a positive role to reinforce to publicness as previous studies shows. Considering that, the conceptual and spatial aspects of publicness, as presented in this field study concerning alternative stages in Kadikoy, Istanbul, were reviewed through four typologically different theater cases. This study evaluated alternative stages' interaction with the public space based on observations, spatial analysis and in-depth interviews with theater artists. It was observed that theater stages either directly or indirectly interact with public spaces. Besides, artists' perspectives can determine and impact both the spatial uses of theaters and social relationships with neighborhood residents. Holistically reviewing all relevant components within this context and using theaters as a case study, this article points out that theaters as sociocultural spaces are a feature in publicness on diverse layer of urban life.