In the memory of Duygu Sagiroglu

Stage designer and Cinema Director Duygu Sagiroglu left us on April 30, 2023, at the age of 90. They say that every goodbye is premature, and this one felt the same way. It seemed like a dream that he would always be with us. There’s no doubt that he left an indelible mark on this world. He touched the lives of many other designers like me, illuminating their paths.

I feel fortunate to have worked with Duygu Hoca while writing my Master’s thesis on his approach to stage design and cinema. Most importantly, I’m grateful for the chance to have known him closely.

Thanks to the thesis, I had the opportunity to converse with some esteemed artists who collaborated with him, although unfortunately, some have passed away since then. When I visited Duygu Hoca after completing the thesis, we discussed the possibility of turning it into a book. However, he insisted on having it printed on colored paper and published by Yapi Kredi Publications, expressing no interest in working with other publishing houses. Despite my attempts, I couldn’t persuade him due to his strong inclination. He was my compatriot and like an elder brother whom I deeply loved and respected. So, I agreed.

Over twenty years have passed since I completed my thesis, yet he continued designing and producing until his last time on earth. The thesis now holds a place in the Archives of the Higher Education Council and Dokuz Eylül University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Performing Arts, serving as a resource accessible to everyone in the field.

I wanted to pen these lines in memory of him, expressing my affection and respect once more with regret as to why I didn’t contest his stubbornness more. Dear Duygu Hocam, I’m grateful to have met you. Thank you endlessly for embellishing the world with your designs! I’d wish you to rest in lights, but I’m certain you’d prefer to design those lights first! For those interested in reading our thesis, I’ll provide the information below. If you’d like to have it in your e-bookshelf, feel free to contact me. Perhaps one day, it will be published as a book by Yapi Kredi, just as Duygu Hoca wished! With love…

SAHNE TASARIMCISI VE SINEMA YÖNETMENI OLARAK DUYGU SAĞIROĞLU / DUYGU SAĞIROĞLU AS STAGE DESIGNER AND FILM DIRECTOR

Yazar/ Writer: ÖZLEM ALİYAZICIOĞLU YENİ

Danışman/ Thesis Supervisor: Y.DOÇ.DR. AYŞEGÜL ORAL ÖZER

Yer Bilgisi/ Location: / Dokuz Eylül University, Social Science Institute, Department Of Performing Arts

Yil/Year : 2002

Tez No : 112941

ABSTRACT

Duygu Sağıroğlu has dedicated fifty-two years of his artistic life to working as a stage designer, film director, and scriptwriter. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been honored multiple times as the ‘best stage designer of the year.’ His passion and commitment to creating productions in both theatre and cinema have remained unwavering since the 1950s.

At the core of his artistic philosophy lies the principle of design and realization. In his approach to theatre, he commences the process of design and creation from the dramatic essence of a piece. His design philosophy integrates scenery seamlessly with other theatrical elements, considering design as an intrinsic component of the entire theatrical experience. He emphasizes that successful integration requires one to embody a complete understanding of theatre, transcending the role of a mere stage designer.

Duygu Sağıroğlu’s influence extends to Turkish cinema, particularly during periods of producing serious and high-quality films. As a director, he developed his distinctive cinematic language, often addressing societal issues in films where he served as the art director and scriptwriter. His films consistently reflect his belief in the interconnectedness of dramatic substance and set design.

This thesis represents my comprehensive study of his approach to stage design and its implications in his work, as well as his unique perspective on the art of cinema and the films he directed.

*image; “Biraz Gelir misiniz?” 1963, design by Duygu Sagiroglu – From His Facebook