Director,actor,author, screenwriter,and a teacher; a doyenne in Turkish theatre. You wear many hats and you’re a master in all of them. Which one of these identities you find closest to yourself, and why?
I find directing closest to me because it’s what I do best. It enables me to do what I love and be creative at the same time. There’s also teaching. I’ve always loved sharing what I know. I can never describe the satisfaction I get from being useful to somebody. If I had to put them in order, acting would come last and it’s only because I can never say no to the applause. I love it.
Ceket / Jacket: Beymen Collection,
Gömlek / Shirt: Balenciaga,
Fular / Scarf: Hermes
You say you’ve been in love with theatre and art since you were born. Can you tell us how you met theatre? What attracted you to this profession and what inspired you to dedicate your life to this?
I don’t actually know how I encountered theatre because I never thought about anything else to begin with. I was born with a love of theatre. My family loved the arts; my parents would take us to every single play and concert. I was a very lucky kid. I was probably inspired by the films I saw and the fact that I was taken to see plays at a very young age. The first play I saw was Othello at the City Theatre. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days. I still can’t forget the clouds passing over the décor. For days, I thought about how they made that miracle happen. My father wanted me to take over the family business, but I was determined to become a theatre actor. It was the only reason I wanted to go to Robert College after graduating from Galatasaray Middle School because I needed to learn English. I could never confess to my father that I wanted to be an actor, but I also applied to be trained in directing at Yale University. I was eventually accepted. Back then, my father was in the U.S. I wrote him a letter and asked for his permission. Everything began with that letter.
Ceket / Jacket: Closed, Fular / Scarf: Hermes
Goethe once said, “Art is the only perfect mastery, and mastery includes many stories.” Throughout your life, you’ve created many stories and reached millions of people with them. Do you agree that art is the “only perfect mastery?”
No, I don’t. I believe in mastery in every discipline. Art is only one of them.
How would you define “mastery?” Do you think there are indispensable criteria in terms of becoming a master in any field?
The most important element in becoming a master is to share what you know and to train new people in the field.
You work with young people; you teach them about theatre and train them to be actors. What do you think being a master means in terms of having an instinct to pass that mastery to others?
I definitely believe that the instinct of passing knowledge is a crucial part of it all. I think being a master is kind of something you achieve on your own. If you love your job as much as I love mine, there’s no reason you can’t become a master at it. Working with young people makes me feel younger, and one can learn a lot from them. That’s how I’ve managed to stay so energetic and young. One of the things I’m proud of myself is that I led Turkish theatre in a certain direction by opening the Dormen Theatre.
Kazak / Sweater: Etro,
Pantolon / Pants: Kendisine Ait,
Ayakkabı / Shoes: Kendisine Ait,
Fular / Scarf: Hermes
In your latest book Yaşlanmaya Vaktim Yok (No Time to Get Old), you emphasize how there’s no limit to when one can pursue his dreams and ideals. In fact, you’ve made this your main principle in life. How do you explain your ability to not get old?
I explain it with the fact that I work constantly, love people, and never lose hope.
What kind of method do you follow when working with your students?
My priority is to cure people of despair. My second goal is to instil a sense of trust in people because you have to believe in yourself if you want to do this job. Thirdly, you should never give up even if you meet some obstacles or even fail. This is how I motivate my students.
You say you feel better as you create new things. To what do you owe your endless energy and productivity? What inspires you nowadays?
As I said before, I owe my endless energy and productivity to the fact that I love my job and can easily communicate with people. Surprisingly enough, I can find inspiration in anything whether it’s a stranger on the street, a miracle in nature, someone’s behaviour, or an incident. That’s how I can always find inspiration. In fact, I often get inspired from myself.
Ceket / Jacket: Beymen Collection
Pantolon / Pants: Kendisine Ait
Gömlek / Shirt: Balenciaga
Ayakkabı / Shoes: Kendisine Ait
For instance, I think of an idea and I actualize it immediately. I also have some offers about new projects so I’m thinking about them. I prefer to do things I enjoy. I don’t want to do things I don’t like anymore. I feel energized by working on the same projects with people who believe in their ideas and are energetic.
If you were to meet 18-year-old Haldun Dormen, what would you say to him?
Don’t lose hope and try to be the best at what you do.
When you look back on your journey in mastery, can you think of any recommendations for people who wish to become masters in any artistic discipline?
I recommend them to walk with enthusiasm, ambition, and hope. Never lose hope. During my lessons at Dormen Academy, I teach my students to be hopeful. They should also be open to new things, have the courage to try new experiences, work very hard, and believe in themselves.
During the pandemic, we watched you perform in plays. This season, you direct Sen Nerden Çıktın. Do you have any new projects?
This is one of the most important things that kept me standing. I have always had new projects and hopefully will always have. For instance, my assistant Cengizhan and I are co-writing a script titled Bu da Bir Yaz Öyküsü; it’s a musical project. I also have my classes at Dormen Academy.
Haldun Dormen: Ceket / Jacket: Closed, Fular / Scarf: Hermes
Nükhet Duru: Elbise / Dress: Self Portrait
You’ve been friends with Nükhet Duru for a long time. How did this friendship begin?
It began when I discovered Nükhet Duru when she was a very young and talented singer. We worked together on many projects and had a lot of fun.
