ZEYNEP AKGÜL

Ankara- In fact, Arin Sibel Arslan, whose interest in theater started when she was very young, graduated from the Department of English Language Teaching at Çukurova University. Arslan went to Italy after graduating from university. She worked as a Turkish and English teacher at Giuseppe La Farina Literature High School. She also organized workshops on language and culture for both children and adults. After living there for two years, she returned to Turkey. She performed in theater and cinema as well as worked as an English teacher at several private schools. We talk to Arslan about her performance and life adventure.

• You went to Italy after graduating from university. Could you tell us about your adventure in Italy and your life?

I graduated from university at a very young age, I was 21 years old. Actually, I rarely remember my university years. I have never wanted to be a teacher but the system we live in puts a spoke in your wheel, particularly if you are a young person. When I was at university, I asked myself, “What am I doing here?” After graduating, I started saying, “What did I do?” and said, ‘I had dreams, I need to follow them.’

Italy was one of my dreams. I applied for one of the European Union projects. I was accepted and went to Sicily to live there for eight months. I was sent to a high school as a language assistant. I worked on language and culture there. I got a job offer from another school but my feeling didn’t allow me to stay there. So my Italy adventure ended and I returned to Turkey. 

• As a teacher, how did your cinema and theater adventure start, how did you decide to be an actress?

When I started primary school, I started doing everything about dance, music, and stage. At that time, the theater plays of Nejat Uygur Theater were broadcasted on TV, I watched them. Maybe my dream started when I was a child. 

• I think you also organize activities such as workshops…

Yes, I have organized workshops and activities. I have organized activities on language with stage or stage with language and other subjects. Actually, I want to perform to make visible the violence against women, sexual abuse, violations of rights against LGBTI + individuals who become the target of hate crimes, and the demand for education in the native language. Unfortunately, people have to face many difficulties to learn their native language. 

“There is no space, resources or support to produce in the country”

There is no space, resources or support to produce in the country, particularly to produce correctly. We come together with people like me and create what is impossible; because we need to do so.

• Do you have new projects you work on?

I have been carried out different works at Art Niet Art Workshop for a while. We have projects (draft) about theater and cinema. We have ongoing English courses. I also participate in a female percussion group; we have worked on music for four months. We want to perform a new theater play but we haven’t found private or government support. Besides these, I am translating a book which is important for me.