Selma Sonat

"This year, I am directing two theatre plays; last year it was three. But this year is special because I am working with amateur actors aged over 65 in a collaboration with Revirescence Institute. They are promoting different art and culture programs for people over 65 and I volunteered to direct their theatre game. And working with that age group – let alone being one of them – makes me realise how important it is to keep up the work, carry on, keep the productive and creative soul fed. It isn’t as easy as it was to get around the city when you were 25 years old. Some of my actors cannot drive, and for most of us long and hard walks are out of the question. That’s why a viable public transport option is vital for some groups, especially senior citizens. It should not only be accessible but, with the people around it, should be safer. Here, public buses are free for the citizens over 65 and I find it really valuable. That is saying that your elderly shall still be a part of the vivid streets of the city and the society. It is interesting that people think of old couples sitting by the window, waiting for the children to visit. This is usually portrayed in a grim atmosphere. That does not necessarily have to be the case. Look at me, I am 80, still working, still have the energy and a valuable experience to match that energy. The city has to give the means to channel it back to the society.

"I have been in the business for over 60 years now. After I graduated from the conservatory I played in almost all notable theatre groups in Turkey, made dozens of movies, starred in TV shows and even hosted one. But I always called myself a laborer for theater. It is my gift, it is my love, it is my passion. I still love it when people remember my face from my theatre plays, not the films or the TV shows.

"I think it was at the beginning of the 90s. I was kind of at the top of my fame, our theatre company, Devekuşu Cabaret was a spectacle in Turkey. All our plays all around Turkey were full houses, even the matinees, not only the soirees. Remember, those were the days when there was only one government-owned TV channel. So both cinema and theatre were thriving. Still, people from that era can recite our plays by heart. Anyway, I was on the bus, going to the matinee of the day in İstanbul. People recognised me but instead of coming and trying to get a signature – selfies were not invented yet – they did something amazing. A young girl just quoted a line from our play, and a man replied to it. Soon, almost everyone was reciting the play. I still have the chills when I think of that day. This was an ovation in its unique way and I was so proud of my theatre company, to be part of something that will live in people's memories."