The theme: Remembering Genco Erkal RC 57
Contributed by Mehmet Uysal, Head of the Department of Turkish Language and Literature
When deciding on a theme for our 20th Culture and Literature Symposium, the faculty of the Turkish Language and Literature Department unanimously agreed to dedicate it to our alumnus, Genco Erkal, who passed away in July 2024. Erkal was not only one of our graduates but also an artist of great stature in Turkey and around the world. As a department deeply devoted both to the school where he was nurtured and to the theater itself, we felt it was our duty and responsibility to honor him in this way.
We immediately set to work, formed our organizing committee, and began preparations. We reached out to our guest speakers and finalized all the details. The event was held on October 11, 2025.
RC Head of School Whitman Shepard delivered the opening remarks, and Nilhan Çetinyamaç, Turkish Director and Associate Head of Robert College, was by our side throughout, as always. Actress, director, and playwright Yeşim Özsoy RC 90 moderated the discussions.
Our guests included Genco Erkal’s daughter Ayşe Erkal, academician and theater critic Dikmen Gürün ACG 61, actress Çiğdem Selışık ACG 60, actor and playwright Haluk Özenç RC 88, actress Meral Onuktav Çetinkaya ACG 65, director of the Genco documentary Selçuk Metin, and actress Tülay Günal.
Thanks to the valuable contributions of these distinguished guests, we held one of the most memorable and enjoyable symposiums in recent years. The discussions highlighted Genco Erkal’s lifelong journey in theater, which began at RC, and his lasting contributions to Turkish theater. Many heartfelt memories were shared throughout the day.
We are also grateful to the students from various grades who assisted us before and during the event, and to the many departments across the school whose support was invaluable. Our deepest gratitude goes to the teachers of the Turkish Language and Literature Department, who brought this symposium to life through their dedication and hard work.
Preparations for our 21st Culture and Literature Symposium are already underway!
