Afife Jale

Overview

This is the story of Afife Jale, Turkey's first female theater artist. From childhood, Afife was a free spirit who cherished her liberty, yet she grew up in a conservative household. At twelve, despite her protests, she was made to wear a veil. Her father, encouraged by the family elders, permitted her to study painting at the School of Fine Arts, but her true passion was the stage. She began by staging plays for friends on a small stage at home, performing with the Afife Company. Her father stood as her greatest obstacle; with backing from her grandfather the Pasha and her childhood friend and love, Dr. Ziya, Afife defied him, unable to hold back her longing any longer.