Made possible with the generous donations of the theatre actor Gülriz Sururi, The Gülriz Sururi-Engin Cezzar Theatre Encouragement Award is presented to theatre companies or individuals who contribute to the development of Turkish theatre through their productions and progressive approaches.
Through the award, that is presented in the name of two master actors who have made immense contributions to the development of modern theatre in Turkey, the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) aims to encourage the realisation of new and quality productions in Turkey by supporting emerging theatre companies and artists working in the field of performing arts.
The Award Jury, headed by Gülriz Sururi shortly before her passing, comprises of actor, scriptwriter and entrepreneur Mert Fırat, actress and instructor Tilbe Saran, interpreter, theatre critic, author, stage and costume designer, journalist and instructor Seçkin Selvi, Director of the Istanbul Theatre Festival Leman Yılmaz and actor Selçuk Yöntem.
The 2018 Gülriz Sururi-Engin Cezzar Theatre Encouragement Award has been granted to Altkat Sanat Tiyatrosu and Altıdan Sonra Tiyatro / Kumbaracı50 theatre companies. The prize of 100,000 TL will be divided equally between these two companies to fund their upcoming productions in 2019.