To Hell With Paradise

On June 13, 2025, Copenhagen-based musical theatre group Batida brought their performance “To Hell With Paradise” to the Kült Sahne (Kült Stage) in Ankara.

Supported by the Royal Danish Embassy in Ankara, the Royal Consulate General of Denmark in Istanbul, and the Danish Cultural Institute Türkiye, this production fused live music, physical theatre, and sharp storytelling in Batida’s signature style.

Performed in English with a Turkish synopsis provided to the audience, “To Hell With Paradise” reimagines Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” through the lens of the Old Testament. Set to the explosive melodies of the on-stage band “The Advocates of Hell,” the show turned the stage into a whirlwind of sound, movement, and satire.

The performance was full of dynamic storytelling, expressive choreography, and the tension between sacred and sacrilegious themes. Lasting 45 minutes in a single act, the show prompted viewers to reflect, laugh, and even dance in their seats.

As the Danish Cultural Institute Türkiye, we were proud to support Batida’s arrival to a Turkish stage. Our sincere thanks go to the Royal Danish Embassy in Ankara and the Royal Consulate General of Denmark in Istanbul for their support in making this cultural exchange possible.