Istanbul State Opera to stage ‘Afife’ ballet

ISTANBUL

In ‘Afife,’ a 25-person cast tells the life story of the first Turkish theater actress, Afife Jale.

The ballet “Afife,” which tells the life story of the first Turkish theater actress Afife Jale, will be staged at Istanbul’s Kadıköy Süreyya Opera House on May 28, 30 and 31 after a 14-year hiatus.

The ballet was last performed by the Ankara State Opera and Ballet, but is now back with the Istanbul State Opera Ballet.

Jale was the first Muslim theater actress in early Turkish history and chose to take the stage despite the fact that it was forbidden for Muslim women to perform during the early 1900s. She continued to perform as an actress in the face of social pressure and negative comments.

The performance is an example of modern Turkish ballet and dance drama, reflecting different parts of Jale’s life in gold, red, purple and silver costumes, according to organizers.

A 25-person cast will tell her life story through lyrical and modern dances. Tülay Yalçınkaya, Zuhal Balkan, Ebru Cansız, Deniz Zirek and İlke Kodal will all be playing Jale’s character, while one of the most important people in Jale’s life, Ziya, will be played by Erhan Güzel.

The cartography and libretto of the show were organized by Beyhan Murphy, the music was arranged by Turgay Erdener and the costumes were created by Turkish fashion designer Bahar Korçan.