Afife Ballet staged at Atatürk Cultural Center after a 28-year hiatus
The modern ballet production depicting the life of Afife Jale, a pioneer of Turkish theater, made its premiere at the AKM as a production of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.
The ballet "Afife," which focuses on the life of Afife Jale, one of the pioneering figures of Turkish theater, has returned to audiences at the Atatürk Cultural Center 28 years after it was first staged in 1998, through a production by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.
Premiere and History of the Production
The modern ballet production Afife, which explores the struggle-filled life of Turkish theater pioneer Afife Jale, met with art lovers in a premiere held at the Atatürk Cultural Center Türk Telekom Opera Hall. Originally staged in 1998 by the Ankara State Opera and Ballet, also at AKM, the work has been brought back to life with a new production by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.
Subject Matter and Narrative Structure of the Work
The life story of Afife Jale—the first Muslim Turkish woman actor to step onto the stage in 1919 despite all obstacles and a ban on women performing—woven with freedom, passion, and courage, is brought to the stage through the universal language of dance. The production dramatizes the final period Afife Jale spent in the Bakırköy Mental Hospital before her death, her recollection of four separate periods from her past under the supervision of nurses, and her passing away in the arms of her first love, Ziya.
Four Colors and Lead Roles
Four distinct phases representing the turning points in the artist's life were brought to the stage by dancers symbolized by four different colors. In the performance, the main character Afife was brought to life by İlke Kodal, while Golden Afife was portrayed by Berin Günay, Red Afife by Gizem Atik Tuncay, Purple Afife by Deniz Kılınç Tunçeli, and Silver Afife by Berfu Elmas.
Historical Figures and Cast
In the production, figures who left deep marks on Afife Jale's life were portrayed on stage: her cousin and first love Ziya by Berkay Günay, her husband Selahattin Pınar by Batur Büklü, the period actress Elisa Binemeciyen by Zuhal Karaca, and the three nurses acting as shadows by Emre Karaca, Ahmet Şahin, and Taner Güngör.
Design and Music Team
Accompanied by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Orchestra under the direction of conductor İbrahim Yazıcı, the work features a musical composition by Turgay Erdener, with libretto and choreography by Beyhan Murphy. The set design of the work bears the signature of Efter Tunç, costume design by Bahar Korçan, lighting design by Cem Yılmazer, and video design by Aisha Hajiyeva.
Season Schedule and Performance Dates
As part of the season schedule, the Afife ballet will continue to meet audiences at the Atatürk Cultural Center Türk Telekom Opera Hall on October 14, 15, 17, and 29.