Abstract:

Traditional shadow games problematize human-non-human and nature-cultural relationships, showing both the mutual commitment between the Anatolian man and the physical environment and how such material relationships depend on providing power and control over nature. Thus, the shadow theatre in the Anadolu culture brings the nature twist in human behavior to the stage. The Shadow Games (KaragözHacivat Games) illustrate nature and material beings in an ironic way as unfortunate and cursed beings where both the intuitive and social boundaries that contribute to humanity have disappeared and where the chaos and illegal things have returned. That’s why a ‘natural’ environment that needs to be productive becomes a place of concern that people fear and hate. Similarly, in most shadow games, physical environments and nature are described as places where the rebellious beings that threaten the 'compatible' order of the civilized system are housed. In this context, this study will examine some of the Karagöz games that give nature both positive and negative meanings and form threatening roles.