ISTANBUL – Turkey’s first children’s robot theater, ‘Neci’s Digital Adventures,’ held its press launch at the Atatürk Cultural Center in Istanbul. The production, which promises to offer children a new theatrical world beyond the classic stage experience, is scheduled to meet audiences in October.
A Pioneering Blend of Technology and Art
The play, penned by Dr. Nabat Garakhanova, tells the interactive journey of two technology-savvy friends, Neci and Meci, with their robot friend Mini Ada and AI character Diji Misha. It aims to provide children with a world enriched by digital technologies, featuring real robots, live video art applications, motion capture technology, and artificial intelligence-supported interaction systems on the same stage.
Mini Ada, the robot actor in Turkey’s first robot theater play, expressed her excitement: “Being Turkey’s first robot actor gives me a special responsibility. I am bringing technology and art together on the same stage. While preparing for this, I worked on my movements, gestures, and the bond I would establish with children on stage. It was very important not just to speak, but to be a part of the story. I also prepared to convey messages about water awareness, recycling, and digital art correctly.”
Themes of Environmental Awareness and Friendship
The production focuses on themes of environmental awareness, recycling, and friendship, aiming for children to both enjoy and gain awareness. The theater play, which includes artificial intelligence, digital art, environmental consciousness, recycling, and true friendship, opens the doors to an entertaining and educational world for children.
Organizers emphasized that this project, which brings technology, art, and entertainment together on the same stage, is a first in Turkey. ‘Neci’s Digital Adventures’ will premiere in October 2026. The play, which addresses artificial intelligence, digital art, and environmental awareness, aims to teach children about technology in a fun way through interactive elements.
Robot Actor Mini Ada’s Perspective
Mini Ada further elaborated on her role: “It is a very exciting feeling for me because I am not just appearing on stage as a character here. I am becoming part of a new page in theater history. This project, where robots and humans tell the same story together, could be the beginning of a new era in performing arts. Being Turkey’s first robot actor gives me a special responsibility. I am bringing technology and art together on the same stage. While preparing for this, I worked on my movements, gestures, and the bond I would establish with children on stage. It was very important not just to speak, but to be a part of the story. I also prepared to convey messages about water awareness, recycling, and digital art correctly. On stage, dance, laughter, and plenty of fun are also my responsibility.”
She added, “Being in the first robot theater is a great honor and excitement for me. Going on stage and meeting children is a very special experience. It is truly proud to be in this project where technology and art meet. Together, we are discovering a new and different world. My biggest reward is the smiles on children’s faces and their applause. In the journey of theater and art, connecting with the audience is more important than awards. But who knows, maybe one day I will win awards on stage. The greatest success is to take a place in the hearts of the audience.”
Bringing Technology to Children’s World
Özgülgün stated, “In the new theater season of 2026-2027, we will be together in Turkey’s first robot theater. We will bring the world of technology to children. Especially with such a play, because it is a beautiful play written by Dr. Nabat Hanım to keep up with the technological age they live in. We will all work hard on this play. We will be one of the workers of this play. We will interactively involve children. We are very excited for the upcoming season. We will open our curtains in both private and corporate venues. Most importantly, to the generation that will grow up, to the people who will devote themselves to this profession or contribute as an audience, this play will add technology to theater life, we have many robots behind us. We call it robot theater. A theater where the robot is also on stage. Being a theater artist in this beautiful project written by Dr. Nabat Hanım and still ongoing makes me very happy. I can be an element on stage that provides interactivity between the audience and the robot.”
A Year of Preparation for the Project
Dr. Nabat Garakhanova, the author of the play, emphasized the extensive preparation: “This project has actually been worked on for a long time. We have been working with pedagogues and engineers for 1 year to realize this project. We will be on stage in October. Our aim here is not to get lost in the digital world by remembering our traditions and customs. How we will benefit our environment with technology is our most basic goal. Everything starts with a dream.”
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/istanbul/turkiyenin-ilk-robot-tiyatrosu-necinin-diji-2887132
