Haldun Taner (1915-1986)  was a playwright, short story writer, columnist and academic. Born in Istanbul, he studied economics and politics at the University of Heidelberg, German literature and philology at the University of Istanbul, and theatre and philosophy at the Max Reinhardt Seminar (the School of Drama at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna). He received many awards for his short stories, which have been translated into a number of languages. He also wrote about travel, while his articles often appeared in newspapers.
In 1967, he played a decisive role in reforming Turkish theatre by co-founding the Devekuşu Cabaret in Istanbul, where topical works were performed. Two years later, he established Bizim Tiyatro (“Our Theatre”) and in 1978, the Tef theatre group.
Taner owes much of his individuality as a dramatist to his technique of combining improvisational elements with the meddah (storytelling) tradition. His heroes, modern versions of the characters of orta oyunu (a type of Turkish theatre like commedia dell’arte) and Karagöz shadow play, are from the outset engaged in a quest for identity. Taner’s writing focusses on social issues, reflecting the inconsistencies, hypocrisy and cynicism of people from all walks of life.

 

A short list of his plays:
The ballad of Ali [Keşanlı Ali Destanı], Cunning wife of stupid husband [Sersem Kocanın Kurnaz Karısı].

 

I mean, in this world, you are ridiculed if you are honest and humane. When you become a bully killer, you are respected and respected. Our legend emerged from this lie. That is all… (The Ballad of Ali)