The Businessman
by Yakup Almelek
adapted for the stage by Annie Ward
In this play, Yakup Almelek reformulates the dilemma of health or wealth in a contemporary setting.
The hero of the play, Aydın Devrim, is one of the country’s most successful businessmen. He bases his existence on money and power until the day he finds out that he has an untreatable illness.
The little things that he had not been able to see before suddenly gain new meaning. With the urge to settle scores with his past, they take him to Sicily, where happiness (that no wealth or knowledge can ever give) are waiting for him in a humble guest house.
The Businessman took Americans on a psychological journey as the first Turkish play performed in New York.
Eric Purcell as Aydin Devrim
“The Businessman” is a redemption story. The protagonist, consumed by the pursuit of profit, has disregarded all else -- his wife, his children and his health. “I have seen so many like this,” says Almelek. “They lose their health; they lose their happiness. Just because they wanted to earn more money. But what will they do with the money? ... That’s why I wanted to write something that might help people understand -- if they can understand. If not, it is a pity, for them.” - Yakup Almelek
Kelly Hadous, James Bristow, and Joan Vacarro
in The Businessman
The play is a first for the Turkish theater world: Written by a Turkish author, it has been translated into English and was recently performed in
New York.
The Businessman was directed and produced by Annie Ward.
