Afife Jale

8/14/2019 Afife Jale

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Characters: AFFE JALE

METHYE, Afifes mother

BEHYE, Afifes stepsister, three to four years her seniorAUNT, Methiyes aunt

SOF, nurse of Afife and others in the family

KINAR, famous actress

ELZA BNEMECYAN, famous actress

ANAS, famous actress

SENYE, actress in The Dramatic Arts Theater

AZYE, actress in The Dramatic Arts Theater

MEMDUHA, young woman who passed the entrance exam to the Schoolof Dramatic Arts

BEHRE, young woman who passed the entrance exam to the Schoolof Dramatic Arts

REFKA, young woman who passed the entrance exam to the Schoolof Dramatic Arts

BEYZA, young woman who passed the entrance exam to the Schoolof Dramatic Arts

Dr. SAT PASHA, Afifes grandfather

HDAYET, Afifes father

SALH, Afifes older stepbrother

ZYA, son of Afifes great aunt

HSEYN SUAT, playwright

CELL SAHR, playwright

BNRREFK NUR, playwright

VASF RIZA, young actor

HSEYN KEMAL, young actor

BEHZAT, young actor

BURHANETTN TEPS, owner of a theater company

KONSTANTN KAROPANA, President of the Trolley Company

TAHSN, Chief of Police

MEHMET AL, minister of the interior


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Dr. SUAT, Afifes doctor

FUAT, Governor, Afifes brother-in-law

SELAHTTN, musician and Afifes husbandMESUT, Afifes nephew

HOUSEKEEPER

CLERK

FIRST GIRL

SECOND GIRL

JANITOR

MALE ACTOR

POLICEMEN

FANCILY DRESSED WOMAN

CHIEF OFFICER

OFFICIAL

CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE ARTS THEATER

FIRST WOMAN

SECOND WOMAN

DOCTOR


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ACT I

SCENE 1

[The stage is completely dark and seems to be empty. But there is a woman in thedarkness. She is standing at the back of the stage on a platform, which is raised acouple of steps and is parallel to the audience. She is wearing a long, white gownwith long sleeves that widen as they come down to her wrists, and a high roundneckline. The gown is fitted around her waist and has a long train in the back that

falls in folds. Her ankles are bare. Her arms are raised slightly above hershoulders and tied with strings. Her head is on her left shoulder but turnedupward. This woman, who symbolizes struggle, determination, and awareness,gazes at the audience with piercing eyes for some time. She is silent, but soundscoming from a flute at this moment provide the accompaniment to express herloneliness and solitude. The quavering sounds of the flute announce to theaudience the quavering of her inner world. Then the flute stops as though it hasbecome fully drained and has nothing more to say.]

AFFE :Good evening, I am Afife Jale. You dont remember me, right? Its me, Afife. Iam one of the first ones: like the one who lighted the first fire, who sang the firstsong, who told the first story, and who had the first love affair . . . I dont go toofar back, only about half a century.1 But you still dont remember me. Its alright .. . I love people so much that I wont be cross . . . I have always loved. Now,

meeting me like this youll get to know me and may remember me afterward, notin a pitying, but in a thoughtful, loving, and embracing way. I hope you dontmind if I cannot embrace you because my arms are tied with invisible ropes. NowI am in the closing years of my life, kept in a mental asylum. The rules of theasylum require that I be tied up. At least thats what they think. But their fetherscannot prevent the attachment to this world of my own passions, my loves, and myfeelings. Arent you a little curious? Who is this woman? Who is this beautifulwoman in fethers? Well, I know only one languageone way of speaking to theothers. I know only one way that connects human beings. I know only one placethat brings people togetherthats this stage that we are on now. In the play called

Afife Jale Ill speak to you as a woman who was a pioneer, a first but also a victim.I am yours with all my heart.


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SCENE 2

[The drawing room of an old Istanbul mansion that belongs toDr. SAT PASHA. Dr.SAT PASHA, METHYE, BEHYE, SALH, theAUNT, ZYA, andHDAYETare theresome sitting, some standing. They are waiting for the arrival ofAFFE. AFFEwillcome down wearing her first arshafand show her respect to the grown-ups bykissing their hands.]

Dr. SAT PASHA :Methiye, why doesnt the young lady come down?

METHYE :Dont you know, dear Father, your grandchild is clothes crazy . . . her primping isnever finished?

SALH :

I dont think she is primping herself. She is in a bad mood, she is petulant.

AUNT :Why is that? I saw the arafin purple iridescent taffeta that Methiye had madefor her. If you ask me, it is a bit too fancy. Too flashy.

HDAYET :[Irritably.] My wife loves it.

BEHYE :Grandfather, why dont the Parisian ladies wear arafs?

Dr. SAT PASHA :If they did, their men would be the first to tear them off their heads. Whats the use

of concealing from the eyes of everybody the most beautiful creatures God created.HDAYET :

But, Pasha, isnt covering up one of the fundamental rules of Islam?

Dr. SAT PASHA :My son, the meaning of covering up changes according to circumstances. A wisewoman covers herself with her good manners, her virtue, and her intelligence. Itsas simple as that.

SALH :[Points to the nurse SOFandAFFEfollowing in her new arafwith a cape.] Loand behold, look whos coming, look at the little lady. [AFFE, whose face iscovered with a veil, stands in the middle of the room. She moves a bit, then she

throws down her umbrella and handbag, starts crying, and puts her arms aroundher grandfathers neck.]

AFFE :Grandfather, I dont want to . . . I dont want to grow up . . . I dont want to wearall these things.


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Dr. SAT PASHA :Ah, look at her! But Afife, my dear, you cant help it, dear child. Come on, openyour veil. Youre right . . . if I were in your place I would cry, too.

AUNT :Brother, please dont provoke her.

Dr. SAT PASHA :[Takes out a little box from his vest pocket, liftsAFFEs veil and dries her cheekswith his fingertips.] This is the arafpin of your late grandmother. I hope youwill be a wise, dear, and loving lady like her. [Hands the pin toAFFE.]

AFFE :Thank you very much Grandfather. [Turns to her mother.] Mother, where shall Iput this?

METHYE :

[Smiles, picks up the pin, and puts it on her head.] Like this.AFFE :

Can I take it off now? I feel miserable. [First takes off the cape of the araf, thentries to kick off her high-heeled shoes.]

BEHYE :Hey, young lady, you dont do this in front of people. Theres something calledmanners.

ZYA :Leave the child alone.

Dr. SAT PASHA :Lets go to the dining room. I dont know about you, but I am starving. [Walks asthe others follow him.]

Lights dim

SCENE 3

[Dr. SAT PASHAs study. There is a beautiful antique desk with carvings; its top iscluttered; there is an elegant lamp on the left side. AFFE enters dressed in heraraf. ZYA is standing by the desk.]

AFFE :Grandfather, dont you think I look ridiculous? Your housekeeper stopped me inthe hall and told me to put on my veil when I meet Ziya Bey. She told me that nowthat I started wearing the araf, I have to cover myself. Grandfather, does thismake sense?


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Dr. SAT PASHA :Ah, it is nonsense. You grew up together, you really did, in Gods name. Youshouldnt have grown up so fast, girl.

AFFE :I came here to ask you a big favor. Are you really taking us to the MnakyanTheater?

Dr. SAT PASHA :Did your father give you permission?

AFFE :It seems he said, Do whatever you want, and may God forgive Pashastransgressions. [Dr. SATPASHA laughs heartily.]

ZYA :Cant you keep a secret?

AFFE :Grandfather, I hear you have your private box in that theater.

Dr. SAT PASHA :Yes, its true. Whoever pays at the beginning of the theater season can have aprivate box. Nothing extraordinary.

AFFE :What is extraordinary is not the money you paid, but your interest in the theater.Youre so nice, so different, Grandfather.

Dr. SAT PASHA :Ah, such beautiful compliments you pay me. [Gets up.] Ziya, I want to have alittle stroll in the garden. You take care of this whirlwind of a girl. I need somefresh air, some oxygen.

AFFE :I take offense! Do I pollute your air?

Dr. SAT PASHA :Oh, no, no, nothing like that. [Exits.AFFEandZYA glance at each other andsmile.]

AFFE :We should have gone out too, to feed the fish in the pond.

ZYA :When you were five you used to insist, Lets go and feed the fish. Arent you

ever going to grow up?AFFE :

You grew up! Youre a big shot, a student in an elite high school. You grew upand forgot about me. My brother Salh, too, forgot about me. Now all he does iswatch the girl on the balcony across from our house. Are there any girls aroundhere that you watch?


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ZYA :Afife, shame on you! Young ladies dont talk like that!

AFFE :I hear a thousand times a day from my nanny Sofi about how young ladies aresupposed to talk.

ZYA :How are they supposed to talk?

AFFE :Well, for instance, no matter how deeply I feel I cant say to you, I miss you. Iam not allowed.

ZYA :I am glad I dont have a nurse like Sofi. Because I miss you a lot, Ill always missyou.

AFFE :And you dont like me because Im grown up now?

ZYA :Why do you say that? Even if you become an old hag, Ill always love you, Afife.Be sure of that and never forget it.

AFFE :[HoldsZYAs hands.] Oh, it is so nice to hear that. If I didnt have mygrandfather, my brother Salh, and you this world would be a terrible place for me,terrible.

HOUSEKEEPER :

[Enters. Seriously.] Afife, dear, your grandfather wants to see you.

Lights dim (as they exit)

SCENE 4

[The drawing room of Dr. SAT PASHA. It is after midnight. Dr. SAT PASHA,METHYE, BEHYE, SALH , andZYA are sitting and drinking tea. Only AFFE isstanding up, holding her teacup. They are all elegantly dressed. They have just

returned from the theater.]

METHYE :Afife, enough is enough. Please stop talking for a while. You make me dizzy.


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BEHYE :Stop talking? How can she?

AFFE :

I feel dizzy, too, believe me. I dont know if I am coming or going. Grandfather, itwas a magnificent evening. Perhaps since you are always overworked you preferthe comedies, but I prefer the tragedies. Theater means tragedy.

SALH :[Ironically.] What do you mean?

ZYA :What do you know about tragedy?

AFFE :I am afraid my secret is out. [Smiles.] Gentlemen, now youre talking to a ladywho was just initiated into wearing her first araf. Now, I am going to confess. I

secretly went to the theater without your permission, once with Behiye and Sofiand once with just Sofi.

BEHYE :For heavens sake! We werent going to tell anybody.

AFFE :What we saw were not magnificent like this company.

SALH :[Jokingly.] Grandfather, how are we going to handle this daredevil young lady?

Dr. SAT PASHA :Your mother, too, had her fling when she was young and secretly went to a picnicin Gksu. I remember well.

METHYE :Father, please . . .

AFFE :[Takes a bow like an actress.] One day if were allowed to go on the stage . . . I,too, would like to enrich our theater with our beautiful Turkish language. I wouldlike to be free to act. [Again takes a bow.]

Dr. SAT PASHA :Is this a threat?

AFFE :[Almost in a trance.] Do you remember the applause? To be applauded like that!

I wonder how one would feel after that? I feel as if I am hearing the applause ofthe audience.

SALH :This girl is really crazy.


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METHYE :She frightens me.

ZYA :

Me, too.

Lights dim

SCENE 5

[The stage is empty except for a large door in the back. In front of this door, sevenor eightYOUNG WOMEN, wearing arafs, are waiting. From their posture it lookslike they have been waiting there for a long time. The door opens slowly, an

elderly man appears wearing a fez and eyeglasses. He has a pencil behind his earand holds an open sheet of paper in his hand. He looks at the floor. The womenwearing arafs immediately lower their veils as soon as they see him, and line up.

It is obvious from their breathing that they are nervous and excited.]

CLERK :Ladies, I am going to read the names of the first Turkish girls who have beenaccepted as students at the School of Dramatic Arts after the examination given inOctober 1918. You are now free to attend the classes, provided that you areserious and remain within the rules of propriety. Our institution does not seeanything objectionable to attending classes. However, when you are ready toperform the art you study you will be able to act only in front of audiences

consisting of women. [The YOUNG WOMENstir a little.] Now, I am going to readthe names of those who passed the exam and have been accepted: Afife Hanm,Behire Hanm, Memduha Hanm, Beyza Hanm, Refika Hanm. You have to applyto the administration of the theater with the appropriate documents, the photos, thestamps, etc. I wish you good luck. [Goes inside without looking at the YOUNGWOMENand closes the door. The WOMENimmediately lift their veils.]

BEHRE :What is this? Well attend the drama school but well play only in performancesfor women? What is the meaning of this?

REFKA :What did you expect? Did you think theyd let us go on the stage without covering

our heads?BEYZA :

You know the journalists asked the famous actor Muhsin Erturul the samequestion.


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BEHRE :Oh, I am dying to see that movie. Mother said it was devastating. She cried hereyes out.

BEYZA :Well be late.

BEHRE:Werent you the one who said a few minutes ago, Lets go to the ehzadebaCinema?

BEYZA :Sehzadeba is quite a distance from Beyolu.

AFFE :Come on girls, lets get going. You talk too much. [They exit.]

SCENE 6

[A part of the dining room in HDAYETs house. There is a dining table on thestage. This place is different, in two ways, from the sparkling, Europeanized houseofDr. SAT PASHA: it is more traditional in appearance and it is also more modest.

HDAYET, METHYE, BEHYE, AFFE, and SALH are sitting around the diningtable having dinner.]

HDAYET :[ToAFFE.] I dont want to see you walk in the streets without lowering your veil.If I ever do, you can forget about your school. Remember that.

AFFE :With the veil I dont see where I am going.

HDAYET :How do all the other women see?

AFFE :In fact all the other women see nothing. They are like sheep, they do what they aretold to do.

METHYE :[Worried.] Afife!

HDAYET :If you ever talk like this again, youll be slapped. You can count on it.

AFFE :[Defiantly.] You are going to slap me?


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HDAYET :You think I cant do it! Youll immediately go and complain to your grandfather,right?

METHYE :[Nervously.] Please dont bring my father into this.

SALH :Please, lets eat our dinner in peace.

HDAYET :[Gets up.] Eat your dinner in peace. My two stepchildren and my own daughter,who is more arrogant than they are. [BEHYEgets up crying.] Go ahead and eat.

BEHYE :We love you as our own father.

HDAYET :

I can almost believe that, when I see Afifes arrogant behavior.METHYE :

Please, sit down and eat your dinner. Your stomach pains will start again.

HDAYET :Hanm, every single day, at this table my stomach acts up. It is because of yourindulgence in your children and the way you educate them. How can one eat inpeace in this house? [Throws his napkin down and walks away. AFFEis quicklyspooning something from the bowl in front of her.]

BEHYE :[ToAFFE.] It is all because of you. I am sick and tired of all this. Thank God,they consented to my marrying that young man from the School of PoliticalScience. I am rescued from this house, God willing.

Lights dim

SCENE 7

[The same part ofHDAYETs house. AFFE enters, holding a big curtain in herhand. BEHYE, SOF, and two ofAFFEs FRIENDS are there.]

AFFE :Both mother and auntie have left. Come on lets hang this curtain. This is thebackstage, this is the stage. Come on help me. [SOFis sitting on a wooden chair.

BEHYEis standing and looking atAFFEdisapprovingly. The two FRIENDS helpher. AFFEgoes out and comes back with a big bundle of clothes. To the FIRST


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GIRL.] Heres your dress for the song-and-dance number. [Hands her a red dress.]And this one is for the shepherdess tableau.

FIRST GIRL :Where did you find all these?

AFFE :In the attic, of course! Come on sister, please pick up the zither. Please, please . . .

SECOND GIRL :How about you? What are you going to be?

AFFE :[Proudly.] Ill be Madame Binemeciyan.

SECOND GIRL :Of course, nothing less would do.

AFFE :Ill do a monologue. Neither Salh nor Ziya wanted to act with me. Well invitethem when were ready. Now wait for a minute. [The GIRLS go inside. SALHandZYA enter from another door carrying their chairs, and sit next to SOF. TheFIRST GIRL appears and does a song-and-dance number. The SECOND GIRLaccompanies her with the zither. Applause. ThenAFFEcomes out from behindthe curtain, dressed and behaving exactly likeBNEMECYAN. Excited,ZYA getsup. SALHapplauds wildly.]

SALH :Bravoo . . .bravoo . . . [Bowing like Mnakyan in front ofAFFE, kisses her handand holds it; turns to the audience and imitates Mnakyans accent.] Our mosthonorable and splendid princess . . . The pride and the peerless embellishment of

our stage . . . Eliza Binemeciyan!AFFE :

[ImitatingBNEMECYAN.] You are spoiling me . . . You are drowning me in yourcompliments. Ah, my dear . . . The delicate throbbings of my heart . . . my heart . . .I forgot what I was supposed to say. [Stops; is upset.]

SALH :Go on, go on, just improvise something.

SOF :Oh, I think its the doorbell. [Fans her face with her hand.] Hurry, clean up theplace. I am afraid it is your father. [SOFand the others straighten up the place ina hurry and take the props out of the room.]

AFFE :[Trying to take the hat pin from her hat.] Ah, how terrible . . . like all our bestdreams this too is unfinished. Isnt it always like this?


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SELH :[From the outside.] Welcome home, sir. You are early today.

Lights dim

SCENE 8

[It is either the library or the solarium in Dr. SAT PASHAs house. ZYA is alone.AFFE enters with a tray laden with fresh and dried fruits. BEHYEs weddingparty is taking place in the other parts of the house and noises are heard. ]

AFFE :

I am dying of starvation. I am tired of the crowd and the noise.ZYA :

Cant you live without complaining?

AFFE :[Restlessly paces the floor whileZYA sits placid and resolute.] I am notcomplaining, I am only relating what is going on.

ZYA :Pretty soon youll go through the same thing. You are a big girl now.

AFFE :Is that the reason why you and Salh dont play with me anymore?

ZYA :Isnt this a game, too?

AFFE :Which one?

ZYA :While people are having fun at the wedding party, you and I are alone here . . . justthe two of us.

AFFE :Are you bored to be alone with me?

ZYA :

You know I am not . . . I always want to be with you. I am tired of these secretget-togethers. I want to love you and caress you. I want to comb and braid yourbeautiful hair and put it up.

AFFE :Me, too . . . I often think about these things.


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ZYA :I am about to graduate from my school. We can get engaged anytime you want.Afife, do you know how much I love you?

AFFE :And you, do you know how much I love you?

ZYA :I dont know, but I feel it.

AFFE :Maybe you are the one I love most in the whole world! Believe me.

ZYA :Then you have to be mine. You must marry me.

AFFE :[Pauses to think.] I am not sure of that.

ZYA :How come?

AFFE :[Talks deliberately with pauses.] I really love you very much. You make me feelhappy. I cannot tell anybody what I tell you. But, there is something in me . . .something I havent figured out yet.

ZYA :[With apprehension.] What kind of a thing?

AFFE :I say, I wonder . . . I wonder if loving someone so deeply and so wholeheartedly is

enough? I cannot explain.ZYA :

In the future we would have children. Youll love them as much as you love me.Well have a home . . . later well have grandchildren.

AFFE :[As if talking to herself.] To do something . . . to accomplish something . . . to takesomething up and to carry it along . . . I dont know . . . perhaps it is too early . . .it is too vague . . . I know that I love you . . . but . . .

ZYA :You are not able to promise me!

AFFE :I think you are right. I dont think I can.

ZYA :I know how to waitI even like to wait. Time ripens the fruit. I want to kiss you.


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AFFE :Im-pos-sib-ble. [Smiles.] If grandfather sees, it would improper. [Laughs andruns away.] Look . . . I want to tell you something. A secret! If one day I become

an actress like Binemeciyan, would you marry me?ZYA :

Are you crazy, theyll never allow Muslim Turkish women to go on stage.

AFFE :Well . . . suppose they do?

ZYA :If we live to see that day, well think about it then.

AFFE :[Laughs and naughtily flicks ZYA on the chin.] I see . . . you have already startedthinking about it. [Laughs again and exits laughing.] Keep thinking, but maybe it

is too late . . .Lights dim

SCENE 9

[It is evening atHDAYETs house. METHYEis sitting on a sofa by the window,crying and wiping her tears. AFFEenters and sees her mother crying and stops.]

AFFE :Mother, you are crying again. Please, dont. You know, Grandfather will not restin peace.

METHYE :I know.

AFFE :Then stop crying, please. Believe me I am not able to cry myself because you arecrying all the time.

METHYE :Father. . . he was very important for me. He was my only support against theworld and against my husband.

AFFE :How about me? I cant explain it, but he had a special meaning for me, too.

METHYE :[Listening to voices offstage.] I think your father just came in.


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AFFE :God knows what hell find to roar about tonight! I am tired of his bullying. Youknow, Mother, since Grandfather died he has become more of a tyrant.

METHYE :[AsAFFEleaves.] Watch your language, Afife! He is your father. [Gets up toreceive her husband. HDAYETenters very agitated and holds a newspaper in hishand. Before he takes off his fez and his overcoat, he shoves the paper toward hiswifes face.]

HDAYET :Whats this scandal?

METHYE :[Fearfully.] For heavens sake whats happened?

HDAYET :

Dont pretend you dont know it! And if you dont know it, just read it. Youvemade me the laughingstock of the whole world!

METHYE :[Picks up the paper from the floor.] Ohh . . .

HDAYET :[Grabs the paper from METHYEs hand and hits the paper with the back of hishand.] Isnt this Afife Hanm, who is mentioned among the daughters of goodfamilies performing in the theater, our daughter?

METHYE :Believe me, I didnt . . . know . . .

HDAYET :

You didnt know. What kind of a mother are you? You have a traitor in yourmidst and you didnt know, is that it?

METHYE :She is only a child. She hasnt done anything wrong yet. Lets see, maybe it isanother Afife? Lets inquire and find out.

HDAYET :You dont have to bother. I did inquire and found out. It is our daughter but theremust be something wrong. My daughter cannot be an actress; cannot be a whore;cannot be openly and officially labeled as a whore. Never, never, never . . .[Keeps shouting and pounding the table with his fists. At that momentAFFEenters from the same door through which she exited; her head held high, she is

determined and brave.]AFFE :

I am sorry, please dont aggravate yourself. I will not become a whore!

HDAYET :[Terrified.] So, you want to be an actress?


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AFFE :Yes! And nobody can stop me.

HDAYET :[Walks toward her.] I will! You impudent, shameless girl. [Slaps her.]

AFFE :[Startled but keeping her head high.] This slap has been the seal of approval formy acting profession, Father!

HDAYET :Get out of here! Get out! Dont let me see you again because I will kill you, Afife.[Again raises his hand.]

METHYE :[Tries to holdHDAYETs hand.] You, too, will die. You will have a stroke.

HDAYET :[Tries to free his hand from METHYEs.] You shut up! You stupid idiot! [SlapsMETHYE.]

AFFE :Father, what are you doing?

HDAYET :I dont want to see either of you again! Get out of here, get out. [AFFEexits.METHYEsits on a chair and cries with her hands covering her face. HDAYET

paces the floor with his hands locked behind his back.] O God, give me patience.Give me strength. [At this momentAFFEreenters. She has her head covered, withher cape on her shoulders, and is carrying a bulky bag.]

AFFE :Mother, I am leaving.

HDAYET :[GrabsAFFEby the throat.] Only your dead body will leave this house. [SOFcomes running.]

SOF :Sir, you are going to kill her, what are you doing?

METHYE :Leave her alone; let her go!

HDAYET :

[Lets her go. AFFEfalls down. HDAYETpushes METHYEandSOFwith both ofhis hands.] Youll turn me into a killer. Go away, go away.

METHYE :She is only a little girl. My darling child.


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AFFE :[Gets up slowly.] Mother, I am leaving.

METHYE :

I cant let her go alone. You asked for this! I am leaving with her.

SOF :Madam, lets go to my house.

METHYE :We have no place else to go at this late hour. [HDAYETcollapses into a chair.The three WOMENwalk out.]

Lights dim

SCENE 10

[The living room ofAFFEs new house. Although it appears to be shabby andworn-out it still presents the painstakingly achieved aura of good taste of the

former, more affluent days. AFFEsits on a chaise longue covered with red velvetand reads a book. There are papers and magazines on the floor. METHYEentersholding a tray with two demitasse cups and a cezve , a Turkish coffeepot. She sitson the armchair across from the chaise longue and pours the coffee into the cups.

AFFEpulls herself up.]

METHYE :

Is your headache better now? The aspirin must have helped.AFFE :

Its gone, Mother.

METHYE :You read too much, without any rest. Your eyes give you a headache. God rest hissoul, your grandfather, the doctor, used to say, You are in charge of your organs;on Judgment Day your organs will complain and say, We did not receive propercare.

AFFE :If my grandfather, the doctor, was still around we would not have gotten into thismess. Father could not have thrown me out and nor treated you like this. I cant

bear what you have to suffer because of me.

METHYE :It is my own choice. He didnt do anything to me, he only said, Either me or yourdaughter, and I chose your side. Dont worry, dear, everything will be alright.


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AFFE :But, Mother, when, when? Look, a year has gone by. They pay me a salary of 500kuru a month and tell me to wait patiently. To wait patiently so luck will appear at

my door one day. You manage the house, but how can you with 500 kuru a month?I know you secretly sell some of your possessions here and there . . . but how longcan this situation go on?

METHYE :You mustnt worry about these things. Dont think about them.

AFFE :Nobody has the courage to give me a role in a play. I didnt leave my home, mycomfort, my well-being, my father, to sit around and wait. I want to go on stage, Iwant to act. Mother, you cant imagine how much I yearn for it. I ache for it, I feelit in my flesh and bones. Every night in my dreams I became Binemeciyan, Knar,or Anais. I play their roles in my beautiful Turkish with my passion and my youth.

I hear that applause, that beautiful applause that surrounds me. Mother, when Iwake up and find myself all alone in my bed . . . I feel terrible.

METHYE :Youll get sick. My dear, dont worry yourself to death. Remember what Kerem2said, Black days dont last forever. Just a little more patience.

AFFE :You know what, I almost miss Father . . . his voice, his calling me Afife. When heyelled My daughter will not be a whore, will not go on stage and be a clown infront of everybody, the veins in his neck were purple and they looked as if theywere about to burst. I was so scared, I thought he was going to die.

METHYE :

Forget about these things. Your aunt said, He is doing alright, nothing to worryabout, think about yourself.

AFFE :Shall I turn my coffee cup over? Will you read my fortune?

METHYE :Of course. [Gets up.] Let me water this flower first. [As she comes back with thewater pitcher, the doorbell rings.] My goodness! I wonder who that could be?[Puts the pitcher on the table and goes to open the door. AFFEstraightens up andlistens. METHYEcomes in with a visitor. Her head cover that was on hershoulders is on her head now.]


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SCENE 11

METHYE :Come in, come in. She had a terrible headache but she is better now.

AFFE :[Gets up to receive the visitor.] Oh, welcome Hseyin Kemal Bey. How are you?

HSEYN KEMAL :I am fine, thank you. How are you?

AFFE :Thank you . . . a little tired of waiting, nervous because of waiting and sick becauseof nervousness. [Laughs.]

HSEYN KEMAL :

Afife Hanm, I believe you are not going to wait anymore.AFFE :

[Jumps up.] What did you say? I dont believe it!

HSEYN KEMAL :It is true. They are calling you from the theater.

AFFE :My God! I dont believe my ears! Mother, where are you? Mother, hear this.[METHYEwalks in holding the coffee tray and offers coffee to the visitor.]

METHYE :Whats going on you crazy girl?

AFFE :[Puts her arms aroundMETHYEs neck.] Mother, at last! At long last! Theyremembered me. They are calling me. [Jumps up.] They are calling me. Theylllet me act.

HSEYN KEMAL :It is in Hseyin Suats play, The Patches. Madame Binemeciyen withdrew fromthe play at the last minute. It seems she is dying to go to Paris.

AFFE :[Claps her hands.] Wonderful, wonderful . . .

HSEYN KEMAL :Somebody has to act the part of Emel and it is perfect for you. The theater board

met and after long discussions they decided to ask you first.AFFE :

My God, I dont believe this! Mother, it is not a dream, is it?


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HSEYN KEMAL :But, of course, they are still a little worried. They are wondering if Afife Hanmwould dare to do this.

AFFE :What is the risk?

HSEYN KEMAL :Up til now women who have gone on the Turkish stage have been Christians, youwill be the first Muslim woman on stage. Have you any idea how they will receiveyou? How . . .

AFFE :[Interrupts him.] Ill act very well. Ill put my whole being into it, and they willlike me. Ill mesmerize the audience. Thats how.

HSEYN KEMAL :

I dont doubt that you will act very well.AFFE :

Ive read The Patches three times. If you have no doubts, then whats theproblem? [Puts her arms aroundHSEYN KEMALs shoulder.] Lets go. Ah,Kemal Bey, you were like an older brother to me, but now you have become myGabriel, my messenger of good tidings. Ill remember you as long as I live. Ithank you from the bottom of my heart. Come . . . Ill be ready in a minute. Letsgo without delay . . . right away.

Lights dim

SCENE 12

[The dressing room of the Apollo Theater in Kadky. There are makeup tables,costumes, flowers, etc. The play, The Patches , is about to end. There isexcitement, agitation, and whispering backstage.]

HSEYN SUAT :It is all over, friends, tonight this young girl finished Eliza Binemeciyan . . . fromnow on there is no actress called Binemeciyan. May God protect Afife.

KINAR :

Youre right, Hseyin Suat, God help her.

VASF RIZA :I dont feel very comfortable, I feel as if something is going to happen. Anextraordinary event like this cannot end so peacefully. I have a premonition we aregoing to have trouble. I hope they dont hurt Afife.


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BEHZAT :Ssh! Vasfi Rza! Ssh! Dont be a Cassandra. [There is a sound of tumultuousapplause. The sounds of Bravo, God save you, Bravo, are heard in the

backstage. Someone shouts, Curtain. They repeat, Open the curtain. Thereis commotion in the backstage. At that moment theJANITOR of the theater enters.He grabsHSEYN KEMALs arm.]

JANITOR :Sir, we are being raided!

HSEYN KEMAL :What?

JANITOR :Were being raided, were finished.

HSEYN KEMAL :

Hey, whats happening, what are you talking about?JANITOR :

They came and theyre waiting outside. They are waiting for Afife Hanm to comeout. They are the men of Arnavut Tahsin Bey, the police chief.

ANAS :Oh, what a disaster! What bad luck! How terrible for the young girl!

KINAR :Stop screaming, whats happening to you.

VASF RIZA :Knar Hanm, you take care of Afife. If necessary you have to get out by the fireescape. Anais Hanm, you find herarafand her veil. God, the applause is stillgoing on. [ANASwalks out.]

BEHZAT :We cant even enjoy this.

CELL SAHR :Gentlemen, keep cool. This was more or less to be expected. Hseyin Suat Beyand I will go to the police chief and explain everything.

HSEYN SUAT :Cell Sahir is right. At least we can talk to him for a while and secure Afifesescape. We can keep him busy. Vasfi, Behzat, Kemalsee who is there, and if itis possible divert their attention for a while. Dont let them come here. [ANAS

enters, agitated.]ANAS :

Heres her araf, her veil, and her pocketbook. Her mother was waiting for her, Ibrought her in, too.


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VASF RIZA :Good evening, madam. Congratulations. Anais, thank you. Now you mustimmediately leave and disappear.

METHYE :Whats up? Is anything wrong?

VASF RIZA :Nothings wrong, nothing to worry about.

ANAS :Do I have to leave without congratulating Afife?

VASF RIZA :Never mind the congratulations now. [Exits. AFFEcomes in running. She is veryexcited. She is in tears and gasping.]

AFFE :

It happened! You see it happened. My God, this is my happiest first night.[EmbracesHSEYN SUAT.] I dont know how to thank you! I am grateful to you.You wrote it so beautifully. [Embraces everybody one by one.]

HSEYN SUAT :You acted so beautifully.

AFFE :Mother, dear. At last, at last . . .

METHYE :Dear child . . . thank heavens, thanks, thanks.

CELL SAHR :

You were magnificent, Afife, I cant praise you enough.HSEYN SUAT :

You were the first . . . Well never forget this. You have begun beautifully!Beautifully . . .

VASF RIZA :Youll be the Joan of Arc of Turkey. God protect you from harm.

HSEYN KEMAL :Congratulations, congratulations.

HSEYN SUAT :Our stage needed a sacrifice like you for the dramatic arts. Afife, you volunteeredfor it. [Kisses her on the forehead.] May God protect you. Now go down withKnar Hanm by the fire escape. Well . . .

AFFE :[Coming to herself.] Whats the matter, whats going on?

HSEYN SUAT :Lets find Tahsin Bey. [TAHSN BEYappears at the door.]


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TAHSN :I am here, you dont have to look for me. [Everybody is startled and speechless.]All of youplease go out, except for Afife Hanm and the playwright.

HSEYN SUAT :[Steps forward.] I am . . . Hseyin Suat.

TAHSN :And you Cell Sahir Bey, you too, stay here with Afife Hanm. [The rest exit.]What do you think you are doing? Dont you know that a Muslim woman cannotgo on stagewith her head uncovered, improperly dressed, moving around freely.Dont you know this is against the sacred laws of Islam? Dont you know youcreate trouble for the Ministry of the Interior, for the Office of Religious Affairs,for the Municipality and for the Supreme Head of Religious Affairs? There are somany non-Muslim women waiting at your door to go on stage and you dare to dothis! You long-haired and short-brained woman! What makes you behave with

such impudence and let yourself be debased like this?

AFFE :But . . . sir . . .

TAHSN :Shush, forget about sir! You are not ashamed to talk like thisand your headuncovered, too, like a man.

HSEYN SUAT :Sir, if you permit me . . . This young lady did not commit any crime to arouse youranger. If anybody is to blame its me, because I invited her to appear on stage.

TAHSN :

Sir, to act against the fundamental precepts of Islam is a crime, and if this crime iscommitted by a young woman it is a double crime.

AFFE :I did not behave against the fundamental precepts of Islam. I went on stage toperform the art of drama while preserving my honor and my dignity. I dont seeanything wrong with that. You should have attended the performance and seen thepeople who applauded me with respect. [Covers her face with her hands andbegins to sob.]

TAHSN :[Softens up a little.] Why are you crying now?

AFFE :

[Continues to cry.] You are demeaning me. You are belittling me.

TAHSN :No. It isnt me. It is the customs and the conventions that are threatening you. Itis the backward and thickheaded fanatics that are making you feel debased. Youtried to do something extraordinary without thinking about the price you would


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have to pay. [Those present, gather aroundTAHSNlooking incredulous.]Gentlemen, as a human being, I, too, think like you.

MIXED VOICES :How is that? Is it really true? Oh, thank God, thank God.

TAHSN :But I am the chief of police and as the chief of police I cannot think like that.Look, Afife, after all this do you still want to continue acting? What is yourdecision?

AFFE :[Holds her head high.] Yes! No one can make me change my way, sir. This is alife-and-death matter for me. I sincerely believe that I am not doing somethingdishonorable, and as long as you dont throw me off the stage by force I willcontinue.

TAHSN :You heard it. I really like a woman who can cry but at the same time knows howto put her foot down resolutely. I, too, believe that Turkish women should go onstage provided that they remain within the rules of proper conduct. Fight on.Afife, my girl, I have no authority to give you official permission, but I can lookthe other way. Now stop crying young lady.

AFFE :I dont believe this. [Runs to holdTAHSNs hands. TAHSNholdsAFFEs hands.]I am deeply grateful, sir. Thank you very much.

TAHSN :I will give an order to the precinct chief of Kadky. You can continue performing. . . keep it up. [Sounds of Hurrah are heard, everybody embraces.]

Lights dim (amidst joyful sounds)

SCENE 13

[The same room inAFFEs house. AFFEandZYA are sitting facing each other,holding their teacups.]

ZYA :

You really dont listen to me.

AFFE :I know what you are going to say. [Gets up, imitatingZYA, one hand in the vest

pocket and the other one in the side pocket of the trousers.] Well, you acted inyour first play. You were marvelous. Even though you had to be smuggled out by


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Knar Hanm through the boiler room, you were still marvelous. You charmed thechief of police, too. But it is over now. You had your satisfaction. Give up yourambition. Lets get married and have beautiful, healthy children. Be the mistress

of your own home and the mother of your children.ZYA :

[Hurt.] I have nothing to offer you . . . only myself. I dont think I will even finishcollege and get my diploma.

AFFE :I am not thinking of that. Just love me, that is enough.

ZYA :Afife, go slowly. Nobody can love you as much as I do.

AFFE :Then try to understand me. Please, please. I have a fire in me that is burning. You

should be able to see this. Go against the grain, change something, go out of line,break a taboo, make the impossible possible. Only once . . . then youll be able tounderstand me. My grandfather did.

ZYA :So, then . . . I dont understand you at all!

AFFE :But I love you and I want you to understand me . . . at least understand me as awoman, and make me live my life as a woman . . . you . . .

ZYA :Arent you afraid of anything?

AFFE :Why? I love you!

ZYA :I am afraid. Will you continue living like this, hearing insults from the policechiefs and escaping through the boiler rooms to get home every night?

AFFE :[Tersely.] These, too, have their excitement.

ZYA :You cant stand these for long with your delicate constitution.

AFFE :You dont know my inner strength. Theater is my life; I cant live without it.

ZYA :[Goes near her and caresses her hair.] You had only one single performance, butyou say I cant live without it. Tell me, could you live without me?

AFFE :[Puts her head onZYAs shoulder.] Dont leave me.


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ZYA :Look, I had decided to tell you something after proposing to you again . . . nomatter what your answer is . . . I want to tell you the decision I have made.

AFFE :[With trepidation.] What decision?

ZYA :Ive decided to leave the College of Pharmacy for a while. I am going to Anatoliato join the Nationalist Movement led by Mustafa Kemal Pasha.

AFFE :Oh, no.

ZYA :Just as you say, I am doing my patriotic duty.

AFFE :So . . . you are really going?

ZYA :If my uncle were alive he would have told me I was already late in joining theNationalist struggle.

AFFE :He had given up all hope for the empire.

ZYA :He was an enlightened, progressive, and militant nationalist.

AFFE :I am wondering if this rash decision has anything to do with running away fromme.

ZYA :To run away from you . . . are you crazy? Can one run away from oneshunchback? No, that sounded ugly. Can one run away from ones eyes, onesheart?

AFFE :[Sadly.] A world without you? All empty . . . [Hugs him.] But you are right togo, but not right to leave me all alone.

ZYA :I cannot give you up. Youll be willing to wait for me, wont you?

AFFE :Take everything with you before you gomy soul and everything Ive kept foryou.


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ZYA :Afife, my girl, you are so considerate. You are very precious to me. [Holds

AFFEs arms and embraces her.]

Lights dim

SCENE 14

[ A part of the affluent house of a Levantine,KONSTANTN KAROPANA , around1920. The host prepares drinks and puts them in front of the guests, the minister ofthe interiorMEHMET ALandAFFE, and raises his glass.]

KONSTANTN :I am raising my glass for his excellency, the minister, whose presence honors myhouse. Welcome, sir. [Glasses are raised again.] But I see your glass is empty.

AFFE :It isnt, sir, I had a little white wine.

MINISTER :Dont you favor raki?

AFFE :I dont like raki and I am not used to it.

MINISTER :But this evening, to celebrate this exceptional party and the magnificent table,permit me to put a little raki in your glass with my own hands. [Pours.] A littleraki, a lot of water, and one ice cube. Konstantin Bey, are you by any chancerelated to Karopana Efendi who started the first trolley company in Istanbul?

KONSTANTN :Yes, sir, he was my grandfather and I am named after him. He started the trolleycompany in 1896, I believe. I followed in his footsteps and became the director.

MINISTER :Your grandfather was a close friend of my fathers. Well, anyway, lets talk abouthow Afife Hanm is captivating the hearts of the people of Istanbul with herexcellent performances. You have seen her acting, right?

KONSTANTN :Yes, your excellency, she is wonderful.

AFFE :You are very kind.


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MINISTER :Please forgive my curiosity, but Ill take the liberty of asking you somethingbecause you came here alone. How is it that a beautiful, attractive, intelligent, and

creative lady like yourself is alone?AFFE :

[Surprised and taken aback because she hadnt thought about this and hadnt feltalone.] My brother is in Izmir, sir. And my fianc . . . [Stops, at a loss for words.]. . . accepted another invitation a few days ago.

MINISTER :And he left you to us? What a stroke of good fortune. We are admirers of your artand your courage, too. I must confess it is impossible to resist your charm whenone gets to know you.

AFFE :[Coldly.] You are very kind, thank you.

MINISTER :Madam, I believe the best brandy in Istanbul is served in this house.

KONSTANTN :[ToAFFE.] What would you like to have? A Napoleon or a Courvoisier?

AFFE :Thank you.

KONSTANTN :Which one? Thank you yes or thank you no?

MINISTER :Of course shell have some cognac. With your permission, lets drink it as we arehaving a private conversation with the lady about her work. Lets have our coffeeand cognac together. [KONSTANTNpours the drinks and exits.] Afife, my dear,cognac is a wonderful drink. [Sniffs.] Ah! [Turning the glass between his palms.]It is good to warm it up a little. To celebrate our meeting.

AFFE :[Takes a sip and coughs, making a face.] I am not at all accustomed to suchexquisite pleasures. I have had no opportunity and no time to cultivate them. Ihave no desire for them.

MINISTER :But you cant live without these pleasures. Life has no meaning without them. Iwould like to initiate you. Come on, take another sip.

AFFE :[Picks up the glass and brings it to her lips, then puts it down.] No, I will not do it.

MINISTER :A great actress must know about the pleasures of life and must get used to them.How are things going? Are you satisfied with your job at the theater?


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AFFE :Of course, it isnt easy. The problem is not the audience, but the higher authorities.Every night we perform with heavy hearts and worry about whether we are goingto be raided.

MINISTER :If you wish, I can help you get rid of your worries.

AFFE :[Excited.] How? Of course, I would like that. I am not asking for much, I onlywant to have the same rights to act as Knar Hanm and Anais Hanm. Thats all.

MINISTER :When I said if you wish, I meant something different.

AFFE :What do you mean, sir?

MINISTER :To be under the protection of the minister of the interior. This would mean a lotfor the higher authorities.

AFFE :[Now fully aware.] What is the meaning of under the protection of, sir?

MINISTER :It means youll belong to me. Youll put an end to that story you told me aboutyour fianc going to another party, and offer yourself to me. [Holds her wrists andcaresses them.]

AFFE :

And is it a special privilege of the ministers to see every woman in sight as prey?MINISTER :

Dont you like me?

AFFE :Not in the least . . . especially this attitude of yours.

MINISTER :Does all that riffraff you act with seem more appealing to you?

AFFE :What have they got to do with this?

MINISTER :

When the play is over do you go home innocently? After all that provocation thatgoes on, on the stage? [Moves his hands higher, gets closer, breathing heavily.]Afife, dont try to act like an innocent and virtuous woman. I dont like innocentand virtuous women; I like the frivolous and naughty ones.


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AFFE :Please take your hands off! I am not like the ones you like at all. I cannot be ofany use to you. Leave me alone. I am terribly upset.

MINISTER :But I am the minister of the interior and I know how important this is for you.

AFFE :Leave me alone. Let me go. I dont care about your importance or whatever thatmeans. I am not the kind of woman who would say yes to the shameless proposalof a bully whom she meets for the first time.

MINISTER :But you are an actress! Whats preventing you? Your place is well knownanyway, so if not today maybe tomorrow youll accept my proposal. [Lets her goasAFFEstraightens herself up.]

AFFE :You drank too much. Tomorrow morning youll be ashamed of it. Please, letsforget this ugly incident.

MINISTER :But when you act these ugly scenes in the theater, arent you ashamed?

AFFE :That is an entirely different thing. You dont understand. It has nothing to do withmy personal life.

MINISTER:OK, dont worry. Ill take you home, get ready.

AFFE :

Thank you, my mother will come here soon to pick me up.

MINISTER :Oh, your mother! Is she a participant, too, in this game of virtue? Afife Hanm,who is your father?

AFFE :Hidayet Bey. He is not important enough to be known by you, but he is an honestman. My grandfather, Dr. Sait Pasha . . .

MINISTER :Oh, is he Sait Pasha from amlca?

AFFE :

Yes, he is.MINISTER :

Oh, I see, but I dont really get it. How did they allow you to choose thisprofession?


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AFFE :I think you should not be concerned with any of this.

MINISTER :

Yes, you are right. I am only interested in you and I always want to possesseverything that interests me.

AFFE :[Sarcastically.] Fine.

MINISTER :Today or tomorrow. [GrabsAFFEs arms with force and kisses her on the lips.]The conquest has already started.

AFFE :[Very angrily.] No, never!

MINISTER :

This never will hurt you in the end, not me. [KONSTANTNis behind the door.He coughs.]

KONSTANTN :Your mother is here. She didnt want to get out of the carriage. [Embarrassedbecause he has seen what went on earlier.]

AFFE :Ill be right down.

MINISTER :[ToKONSTANTN.] What a pity youve just missed a battle of words. [ToAFFE.]This way, madam. [They walk toward the door.]

Lights dim

SCENE 15

[They are performing the play, The Odalisque, on the stage. The audience will bepresumed to be the audience ofThe Odalisque. On the stage are AFFE and aMALE ACTOR. Some commotion takes place backstage and on the sides where thecurtains are drawn. Sounds reach the audience and the actors falter. Someone

from the audience shouts, Whats going on? On one side of the stage by the

drawn curtain an actor (could be VASF RIZA) waves his arms towardAFFE. Thisshould provoke the audience as much as it provokes the actors. Some peopleshould get up and others should shout, Sit down, sit down. AFFE eventuallysees the signals of the actor; she is bewildered.]


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AFFE :[Whispering to theMALE ACTOR.] Wait a minute here. Stop, Ill go and find outwhats going on. Ill be back.

ACTOR :[Surprised.] Whats happening?

AFFE :I dont know. Maybe theyre pounding on the door. Maybe some people came. Idont know. [Exits running.]

[ As theACTOR on the stage looks around, bewildered, two POLICEMEN comerunning onto the stage. One of them is carrying a whip with a silver handle. Hecracks the whip on his boot and yells toward the audience. ]

POLICEMAN :Wheres that woman? That shameless and indecent creature? Where is she?

[The curtain is drawn in a hurry. Actors run back and forth . . . voices. HSEYNSUATandBNRREFK NURcome and stand in front of the curtain. They look sadand embarrassed and wring their hands.]

BNRREFK NUR :We are facing an unfortunate and regretful situation. Our theater, I regret to say,has been raided by the police. I believe that this happened because ourdistinguished actress, our beloved sister Afife Hanm was on the stage. We arecertain that this situation will be rectified; however, we cannot possibly continueour performance tonight. We hope that you will excuse us.

POLICEMAN :[The one with the whip appears in front of the curtain. ] Wheres that woman?

Where is she? How did you let her escape?BNRREFK NUR :

We are here, sir, we dont know whats going on inside.

POLICEMAN :Gentlemen, I am arresting you both as the instigators of this unsavory situation.Sergeant, bring the handcuffs.

Lights dim (amidst the hissing of the audience)

SCENE 16

[skdar ferry pier. AFFE and METHYE are dressed in arafs and heavilyveiled. They talk in whispers. They are in a state of fear.]


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METHYE :Oh, look Afife, the pier is full of policemen. Didnt I tell you not to go out, didntI? You never listen!

AFFE :Dont worry. They wont recognize us. How could they? I got a telegram fromthe theater telling me to go there immediately. If there is something to fear, theywouldnt have called me. Mother, dont be afraid, nobody will recognize Afifedressed in a black arafand heavily veiled.

[Two POLICEMEN , with a young, FANCILY DRESSED WOMAN between themapproach slowly, but with determined steps.]

FANCILY DRESSED WOMAN :Here! This is the woman youve been looking for! The one next to her must beher mother. This one is Afife Hanm!

FIRST POLICEMAN :Ladies, raise your veils.

METHYE :Ive never heard anything like this. No woman would raise her veil to two menand a strange woman she doesnt know.

SECOND POLICEMAN :We are performing our duty. We have the right.

FIRST POLICEMAN :If you dont raise your veils, well do it.

AFFE :Alright, here, Ill raise my veil. What do you want?

SECOND POLICEMAN :[To the WOMAN.] Is she the one?

FANCILY DRESSED WOMAN:Yes, she is Afife Hanm who smears our honor and our dignity.

METHYE :Your honor and your dignity?

AFFE :Mother, mother, please be quiet.

FIRST POLICEMAN :

Which one of you is Afife?METHYE andAFFE :

Me!


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AFFE :The lady is my mother. [Her head erect.] Officer, go ahead. What do you want?

FIRST POLICEMAN :

We have an arrest warrant for you. In the name of law, I arrest you and will takeyou to the police precinct. [Takes the handcuffs from his pocket. AFFE, holdingher head high, stretches out her hands.]

METHYE :Oh, Afife! Afife!

AFFE :Please, try to be calm. Go to the theater right away and tell them about thesituation.

Lights dim

SCENE 17

[The room of the chief officer in the Kadky police precinct. HSEYN SUATandBNRREFK NURare handcuffed and are being questioned.]

CHIEF OFFICER :[Paces the floor and cracks his whip on his boots. ] So, you are not going to tell mewhere Afife is; you are determined not to, right?

HSEYN SUAT :If we did know her whereabouts we would tell you, sir, but we just dont know.You put the handcuffs on us at the theater in front of the audience. How can weknow where Afife Hanm is? [The door opens quietly and the two POLICEMENbringAFFEin, pushing her from behind. AFFEstumbles and takes her placebetween her friends.]

FIRST POLICEMAN :We found her and brought her here, sir.

CHIEF OFFICER :Where did you find her?

SECOND POLICEMAN :

At the Kadky pier. They were waiting for the ferry to go to Istanbul. CHIEF OFFICER :

Like the grasshopper, youre caught. Lets see what you can do now?


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AFFE :[Holds her head high.] Ill complain about you to the director of police, TahsinBey.

CHIEF OFFICER :Because Tahsin Bey had sent you a communiqu informing you about hispermission.

BNRREFK NUR :Perhaps you didnt receive it.

CHIEF OFFICER :Yes, Ive received it. You forget about your religion, your nation, and your honorand perform on the stage. And I have to say Yes, sir to Tahsin Beyscommuniqu and let you get away with blasphemy, right?

HSEYN SUAT :

You have to follow the order given to you, sir.CHIEF OFFICER :

No, sir. I dont follow such orders. It is among the duties of the police toprosecute those who act contrary to the precepts of Islam. You shameless men,when you make the women go on the stage, I feel as if my own mother and myown wife are exhibited there. Arent you ashamed?

AFFE :You shouldnt talk to us in this manner!

CHIEF OFFICER :[SlapsAFFE.] Look at her, how she talks back without fear. Whore!

BNRREFK NUR :

Sir, you cannot slap a woman.

HSEYN SUAT :This will not be good for you. You have us handcuffed, we cant defend ourselves.But, you should know that these handcuffs will be taken off eventually.

AFFE :Ill file a complaint against you.

CHIEF OFFICER :Is that so? To whom, honey?

AFFE :Ill tell them how disrespectfully you treat honorable Turkish women, how you

handcuff them unjustly, how you insult them, and . . .BNRREFK NUR :

Afife, dont waste your time; dont talk too much.


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CHIEF OFFICER :Yeah, dont talk too much! Yeah, hes right, the more you talk the deeper yousink. You whore, you harlot, you hooker . . .

AFFE :[Screaming.] No.

CURTAIN

ACT II

SCENE 1

[ A section of the room in the luxury hotel where the minister of the interior,MEHMET AL BEY, receives his guests. A young OFFICIAL enters and bows.]

OFFICIAL :Eliza Binemeciyan Hanm is here, sir.

MINISTER :[Takes his glasses off.] Let her come in, bring her in. [Gets up and waits by theend of the table. BNEMECYANenters. She is very elegant, wearing a hatdecorated with lace and flowers, and long gloves, carrying a parasol and atasseled bag. She is in high spirits and full of confidence. TheMINISTER kissesher hand, and still holding it, asks her to sit in an armchair. He settles in the

armchair across from her.] Wonderful, wonderful, at last youre back.ELZA BNEMECYAN :

Yes, sir, I was unhappy in Paris. I felt homesick for Istanbul. I was restless andnervous.

MINISTER :Well, Istanbul does that to you, doesnt it? It wont let you go away. Istanbulwas missing you, too. A couple of Muslim actresses tried to appear on the stage,but the public did not tolerate this. In fact, the Office of Religious Affairs did notwant to give them permission to act. The grand vizier, too, doesnt want Muslimwomen go on the stage at this time.

ELZA BNEMECYAN :

I can understand that sir. You know, I am an actress. Acting is in my blood. Icouldnt stay away from it even in Paris. I appeared in a couple of plays in asmall theater while I was there. I was hoping to act in The Arts Theater againwhen I got back to Istanbul. But, when I came back I found out that in mytemple there is a young lady called Afife Hanm. Knar Hanm says she is verysuccessful.


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MINISTER :But, Eliza Hanm, we want to see you perform at The Arts Theater. That waywell have the pleasure of having you back on the stage. At the same time wellbe relieved of this annoying and consistent pressure the Office of ReligiousAffairs is putting on us. The grand viziers wishes, too, will be fulfilled.

ELZA BNEMECYAN :I am really sorry, sir, but as long as Afife Hanm is at The Arts Theater, I wontbe able to act there. You understand . . .

MINISTER :Leave that to me. Well take care of those minor matters. Ill send myinstructions. After the roads are cleared and the dust settles down you can startacting. Itll be a great pleasure for all of us to see you on stage. And, thisunpleasant matter of Muslim women acting on the stage will come to an end.[ELZABNEMECYANgets up, smooths her skirt, picks up her parasol, and

extends her hand to theMINISTER.]

ELZA BNEMECYAN :All these are matters above my head. I have no opinion whatsoever. I am anactress, I would like to perform where I belong. Sir, I thank you for your kindinvitation. With my respects, sir . . .

Lights dim

SCENE 2

[The executive board of The Arts Theater is meeting. The MEMBERS OF THEBOARD are sitting around the table. AFFE , her face unveiled is standing up.She is frightened, agitated, but determined. She walks slowly toward them andlooks as though she is about to faint.]

CHAIRMAN :Afife Hanm, the Municipal Council of Istanbul sent us a written order, datedFebruary 27, 1921, number 204. I regret to tell you that this directive concernsyou, which is why we asked you to attend our meeting today. Unfortunately, thisdirective is a blemish on our theaters history and a disgraceful act againstprogress. We are ordered that from now on no Muslim woman will perform onthe stage and Afife Hanm is to be dismissed from the company. Today is March8. At our board meetings we have debated for nine days how to carry out thismost unfortunate order and finally, feeling helpless we have decided to obey it.Otherwise, we would have no choice but to close the theater. We wanted toinform you, hoping that you will understand this decision. May God forgive us.[Everybody hangs his head low.]


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AFFE :I understand, sir.

CHAIRMAN :You may see the treasurer to receive what is owed to you.

AFFE :I will not go to the treasurer, sir. [Walks away and as she is about to exit sheturns with tears in her eyes.] You have told me about your decision. You arerelieved now. You have gotten rid of a problem, or at least you think so. Inanother country this would have created a huge outcry. Now I realize I am alonein this fight. If you allow me, sir, I will tell you my decision. You can get rid ofme, you can throw me out, but I will continue in my efforts, fighting on alone.[Holds her head high and walks away with tears streaming down her face.]

Lights dim

SCENE 3

[AFFEs room. She is reclining on the velvet chaise longue. Her eyes arecovered with a band of black cloth. She moves her head from side to side andmoans.]

AFFE :Oh, my head . . . my head. I cant stand it anymore. I cant. Mother, my head . . .

[METHYEcomes slowly, holding a bottle of eau de cologne. ]METHYE :

Let me rub your temples a little, itll make you feel better.

AFFE :I cant touch my head it hurts so much.

METHYE :Let me rub . . . I wont hurt, my father taught me how . . . [Starts rubbingAFFEstemples with cologne.]

AFFE :My grandfather, the doctor . . . I miss him so much. Mother, wheres the doctor?

He was supposed to come.METHYE :

Hell come. When I got to his place he had already left to visit a patient. I left amessage; hell come.


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AFFE :Why should I have such a terrible headache?

METHYE :

You are aggravating yourself. You are killing yourself. Whats there to cry aboutlike this and be so upset?

AFFE :Mother, they threw me out of The Arts Theater . . . threw me out with the writtenorder number 204 of February 27. With one stroke I was dismissed from thecompany. The Art Theater submitted to this order. Why shouldnt I cry and bedistraught.

METHYE :Look, youre sick. Is it worth it? Theres a cure for every ailment. If it isnt TheArts Theater, it could be the company of Burhanettin Bey. And if not that, you canjoin bnrrefik Nuri Beys New Theater.

AFFE :They will all be censored. Nobody will dare to let me join his company, youll see.Mother, it is as if I am cursed. Oh, my head, my eyes . . . I am dying. I think it isbetter that I die; I should die.

METHYE :Dont talk like that. Its not like you, youre strong, brave, and determined. [Thedoorbell rings.] Oh, its the door. It must be the doctor. Ill go and see. [Goes outand returns withDr. SUAT. He is an elegant, handsome, and dark man aroundthirty to thirty-five years old. He is carrying his doctors bag.]

Dr. SUAT :Hows the patient?

METHYE :Come here, Doctor.

Dr. SUAT :Whats our patients complaint?

METHYE :She has an unbearable headache. She feels nauseous every now and then. Hereyes are very sensitive to light. Light feels like pins and needles in her eyes.

Dr. SUAT :Yes. [Puts his chair near the chaise longue and takesAFFEs pulse and counts.]She has a slight fever. Lets take her temperature.

METHYE :Ill bring the thermometer.

Dr. SUAT :Dont bother, I have one. [Takes the thermometer from his bag and hands it to

METHYE, who puts it underAFFEs armpit.]


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METHYE :We thank you, Doctor. She is calmer already. [Hands him an envelope.] Sir, thisis what we owe you.

Dr. SUAT :No, no, I wont take it. I havent done anything yet. Let our patient be on her feetand feel as fit as a fiddle first. With your permission . . . [Picks up his bag.] Look,shes already asleep.

Lights dim

SCENE 4

[Same place. AFFEis sitting on the sofa and feeling better. BURHANETTN TEPSis sitting in an armchair across from her. AFFE is happy because they havereached an agreement. She will be able to act in his company.]

BURHANETTN :We have a deal. So I must get going and you try to get well as soon as possible.OK?

AFFE :Yes, sir. Burhanettin Bey, shall I bring Seniye along? You ought to try her. Ithink, she is a very talented girl. Weve been together since we were children. Weused to put up a curtain at home and act together.

BURHANETTN :Bring her along, but she has to act in a comedy, Hamit, The Miser. It is a goodplay. [Gets up.] When you come, youll get an advance on your salary. Try tohave a good sleep tonight. Dont worry about anything. I dont want to see youlooking like a ghost ever again.

AFFE :Yes, sir. Thank you.

BURHANETTN :You should know that youll be the leading star in my company. [Exits.]

[AFFEtakes a hand mirror from under her pillow and looks at herself. METHYE

walks in with excitement.]METHYE :

Afife, look who came to visit you. [KINAR andANASenter noisily carryingflowers and boxes of chocolate.]


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KINAR :I hope you feel well now.

AFFE :

[Elatedly.] Ah, thank God. You brought me good health. Youve made my day.

ANAS :Your mother gave us the good news. You joined Burhanettin Beys company.

KINAR :Well, thats how it is, just mention Afifes name and the whole world will be atyour feet. You acted in The Patches, The Sweet Secret, and The Odalisque so well. . . even better than our Eliza Hanm.

ANAS :Acting? She has created these roles my dear.

KINAR :

My mother, let her soul rest in peace, taught me all about the theater. She certainlyhad a life. The whole world adored Bercuhi. Fasulyaciyans company wasBercuhi. But she also suffered so much. Did you know about it? Actresses donttalk much, they live both heaven and hell in this world. Now, come to your sensesand stop worrying. I, too, suffered from Eliza Binemeciyans inflated ego. If I toldmy story it would fill volumes. One can write a play about the tricks she played tosnatch the role of The Bakers Wife from me. I am not joking.

ANAS :Shes a beautiful woman. She has a lovely voice and is articulate. Her fame restson her beauty. She gets along well with the Ottoman bigwigs; in turn they supporther.

KINAR :Anais, weve chattered too much. Look at this girl. She is so thin and pale, andexhausted. Lets leave.

AFFE :[Sadly.] You have to leave for the rehearsal, right?

KINAR :Hopefully so, but we have to see. If it is like yesterday we wont be able torehearse.

AFFE :What are you going to perform?

ANAS :Knar Hanm will act in Glnihal. I dont know what role Ill have. To have anyfun we have to start rehearsing before that Binemeciyan woman starts tooting herown horn. But, she wont step into the theater before her trunks arrive from Paris.


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KINAR :Lets go. [The three exit amid the sounds of bye-bye, get well, etc. AFFEreturnsto the room and sits on the sofa. She holds her head in her hands. The guests were

too exciting and exhausting for her. METHYEenters.]METHYE :

Whats the matter, dear?

AFFE :It came back.

METHYE :[Absentmindedly.] What came back?

AFFE :My headache. I was afraid it would happen again. It came back, from here, frommy temples. [Points.] It is piercing both my eyes and my head. It is like a drill.

METHYE :Afife, youre tired, youre depressed. The girls talked too much and made youexcited. Dont panic, just lie down here. Close your eyes. This dim light will besoothing for you. Ill give you an aspirin.

AFFE :[Nervously.] No. Send a message to the doctor, tell him that it came back, that it isterrible.

METHYE :Ill go right away . . . but, you call him so often, and he doesnt accept any money . . .What are we going to do?

AFFE :

Mother! [METHYEcloses the door gently.]

Lights dim

SCENE 5

[Same place. AFFEis nicely dressed, sparkling, sitting with magazines on her lap.The lamps are lit. METHYEwalks back and forth in the room and then sits down.]

AFFE :[Outwardly cheerful, but restless and nervous.] I am scared to death that myheadache will come back. Mother, is it the doorbell? Mother, it is the door. Hurryup. [METHYEexits. The door opens andDr. SUATenters.]


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Dr. SUAT :Good evening, hows our patient today?

AFFE :

[Gets up and shakesDr. SUATs hand.] If one has a gentle doctor like you, sicknessgoes away. Doctor, that day, when I had that excruciating pain, you gave me a shotwith your magic hand and made me alive again. I cant forget the wonderfulrelaxed feeling it gave me. I wonder, if you would write a prescription that I cankeep and have it filled at the pharmacy whenever I need it. I dread theseheadaches. Then we wont bother you so often. [METHYEenters with the coffeetray.]

METHYE :Since that day shes been so agitated she keeps repeating, If it comes back, if itcomes back . . . Doctor, she herself is forcing the pain to come back.

Dr. SUAT :

No, Afife Hanm, what you asked for cant be done. I cant hand you theprescription. You have to be under a doctors care, otherwise well have trouble.But, I hope you wont need it anymore. Dont worry about it.

AFFE :If you drop in once in a while and say Here I am, I may not get my headaches.

METHYE :Well, well . . . it is just like my daughter, whatever she thinks she blurts out. Shedoesnt have an evil streak in her.

Dr. SUAT :There cant be anything bad anyway. If you kindly ask me to show up once in awhile, Ill be honored and delighted to visit you.

METHYE :You two sit here. I have to go to the kitchen to finish my chores. [Picks up thecoffee cups and exits.]

Lights dim

SCENE 6

[The minister of the interior, MEHMET AL BEY , is sitting at his desk. He is veryhaughty and condescending to people. He keeps hitting the writing pad with aruler.]


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MINISTER :Burhanettin Bey, I have to discuss something with you. Which play are youputting on now?

BURHANETTN :Now we are rehearsingNapoleon, sir. Once a week we performHamit, The Miser.

MINISTER :Napoleon! Are there women in it?

BURHANETTN :Of course, sir. Josephine is the leading one.

MINISTER :Yes, yes. Who is playing Josephine?

BURHANETTN :Afife Hanm, sir. She is a great actress. I am sure youve heard of her fame.

MINISTER :Didnt they fire her from The Arts Theater?

BURHANETTN :[Stiffening.] Now, she is working for us.

MINISTER :Burhanettin Bey, what I am going to tell you now is not my personal opinion. Notat all. His Excellency the Grand Vizier doesnt want Muslim women to appear onstage. I am just telling you that before it is too late to prevent trouble. It would beadvisable to dismiss the Muslim women in your company. I am only telling youthe wishes of the grand vizier, as a friend.

BURHANETTN :I am grateful sir, but I would like to know what would happen if I dont fire theMuslim actresses.

MINISTER :[As if joking.] Then well have trouble.

BURHANETTN :His Excellency the Grand Vizier may personally think so, but I . . .

MINISTER :Look, Burhanettin Bey, if you dont heed my advice, you should know that wellsolve this problem by resorting to the police.

BURHANETTN :[Bowing his head respectfully with exaggeration.] I pay my respects, sir.

Lights dim


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SCENE 7

[The same part ofAFFEs living room. METHYE and HSEYN KEMAL aresitting, facing each other. HSEYN KEMAL is holding a glass of tea in his hand.]

HSEYN KEMAL :[Engrossed in thought.] Well . . . since when?

METHYE :She had always complained of headaches. But since the day she learned that shewas fired from The Arts Theater, her headaches became worse. Shes been suf-fering from excruciatingly painful headaches one after the other. Dr. Suat, a manof Syrian origin, is treating her. I think he is sentimentally attached to her, too. Hecomes often. His medicine gives Afife temporary relief, but then . . . afterward,she is again . . . You wont be able to recognize her. Shes become so thin, so

frail, and so emaciated. [AFFEs bedroom door is opened. She, wearing anightgown, enters the living room. At first she doesnt seeHSEYN KEMAL.]

AFFE :Mother! Suat Bey should come and give me a shot. I cant bear it anymore.

HSEYN KEMAL :[Stands up.] Afife Hanm . . .

AFFE :[Looks at him as though she doesnt recognize him.] Oh! Hseyin Kemal Bey . . .Why did you bother to come all the way here? [Collapses in the chair.] I amsuffering so much. [Smiling.] Maybe I have a brain tumor, though I always thoughtI had a tumor in my heart. It was a theater-tumor. Right now I have a terribleheadache, Kemal Bey, terrible. [Sits down.] Mother, the doctor has to . . .

METHYE :He said he would come this evening.

AFFE :Now, now . . .

METHYE :My dear, hes not home now; hes visiting his patients. We have to wait a little.

AFFE :[Very nervous.] I am dying; I cant stand it anymore. He has to come right now.He knows how to handle it; let him do whatever has to be done. He brings me

relief.

HSEYN KEMAL :I think I am disturbing you. I should leave . . . with your permission . . .

METHYE :[Pleadingly.] Please stay, please, please.


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AFFE :Ill put on a sweater and come back; I am freezing. Why should you be disturbingus, Kemal Bey? Please dont go. [Goes out.]

METHYE :[Lowers her voice.] That medicine that he injects, whatever it is, makes mydaughter feel really good, but I am very worried. I think of terrible things. Pleasesit down. Youve helped us so much. Youre like an older brother to her. Ah, ayoung woman cannot be put under so much pressure. Please sit down. Maybe youwill help me a little. [AFFEenters. At this moment the distant sounds of a luteand a song come through the window. This is the music ofSELAHATTN.]

AFFE :[Listens to the music for a moment.] Isnt it beautiful? This is a young musician,his name is Selahattin.

THE SONG :Months have gone by but you still havent come to me,Isnt this separation long enough? Should it last forever?The source of my inspiration is a fresh flower;Oh, dont make me wait; you, too, may fade and perish.

HSEYN KEMAL :Indeed, very beautiful. He must be living near here.

AFFE :[Rubs her temples.] I dont know where exactly. Obviously very near us. [Triesto smile.] I sometimes think he composed these songs for me; I dream about it andI am pleased.

METHYE :Why should you fade and perish? You never harmed anybody. They always didyou in.

AFFE :Kemal Bey, you must have heard, they sent a written order to Burhanettin Bey thatstates categorically that no Muslim woman can perform on the stage. It was sentby the minister of the interior on the orders from the grand vizier. It is hiscommand.

HSEYN KEMAL :Was it a British officer of the occupation army who brought the letter?

AFFE :

Yes, as if the instructions werent enough they also sent a letter. Where did youhear that?

HSEYN KEMAL :Then the play about Napoleon is not going to be performed? Such news spreadsfast.


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AFFE :[With haste.] Nooo! After that letter, Burhanettin Bey said, If they resort to suchmanipulation, then Ill go to the French occupation headquarters and ask for their

protection to put Napoleon on the stage. But, probably nobody knows about it.HSEYN KEMAL :

Did he ask for it?

AFFE :Yes, he did. They promised to put the theater under their protection tomorrow.

HSEYN KEMAL :God help you. Well, I have to leave. [To METHYE.] Theres nothing to worryabout. Thank God, Afife is doing well. Look, after seeing me, her headachestopped bothering her.

AFFE :

It is true . . . really, then why do you have to leave?HSEYN KEMAL :

It is time to go. [As he walks towardMETHYE.] Tell me if there is anything I cando for you. Good-bye. [Leans to kiss METHYEs hand.]

Lights dim

SCENE 8

[Same place,AFFEandDr. SUAT.]

Dr. SUAT :Dont be afraid Afife Hanm. In the shot I gave you there was a minimum dose ofmorphine. We give this to many of our patients.

AFFE :Morphine?

Dr. SUAT :That was the only way to stop your pain. I, too, have frequent headaches and givemyself the same injection when I have to. Theres nothing wrong with it.

AFFE :

But, if I become dependent on it . . .Dr. SUAT :

This dose doesnt cause dependence. Not usually. When your problems arestraightened out, you wont want it anymore. Your nerves will be calmed and yourheadaches will stop.


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AFFE :My problems will not be straightened out. I will not be able to work in any theater.Our money is about to run out. If I become dependent on it, how can I find it, with

what money, from which pharmacy . . .Dr. SUAT :

[HoldsAFFEs hands.] My dear Afife, let me call you that as though you are apart of me . . . Afife, what am I good for? I already confessed before, let me do itagain. I love you. I adore you. My father is a Syrian silk trader. He is as rich asCroesus and I am his only heir. Marry me. Be my wife. You and your mother canbe . . .

AFFE :Doctor, please, first give me a shot. Please, quick . . .

Dr. SUAT :But, your haste, your rashness, your irritability worry me. You must calm down a

bit. Youll upset people who are close to you.AFFE :

Doctor, I dont care if anybody is upset. Come on, I cant stand the pain anymore.Look, my hands are shaking. See, I am breaking out in a cold sweat. Doctor,please . . . I am going to scream now . . . Mother will come and see me like this.Shell be devastated. Please, please. [Starts crying.] Please, help me.

Dr. SUAT :[Without any feeling of sympathy.] Afife, are you going to marry me? Promise me,promise!

AFFE :Youre so cruel. Whats the use of a promise I give you now?

Dr. SUAT :It is OK. Just say I promise. I am ready. [Shows her the hypodermic needle.]

AFFE :Alright, alright, I promise.

Dr. SUAT :Well . . . then in your honor, Ill give myself a treat, too. Afife, well have a hightogether.

Lights dim

SCENE 9

[AFFEs living room. METHYEis snoozing on the sofa. The door opens suddenly,


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AFFE, BURHANETTN, andSENYEenter. METHYEjumps up.]

AFFE :

I am sorry, Mother. I woke you up.METHYE :

Never mind, I was dozing a little. Whats happening?

BURHANETTN :Excuse us madam. Were sorry.

SENYE :We were thoughtless.

METHYE :Doesnt matter. Ill make you a nice cup of tea. [Looks for her slippers.] Youcame back safe and sound.

BURHANETTN :The performance was excellent, but to save these ladies from the police we had toescape through the cemetery in the dark. Afife was scared to death.

AFFE :When the branches of the trees touched my face, I thought the dead were caressingme. I am terribly afraid of the dead.

BURHANETTN :But none of the dead will harm you as much as these living people.

SENYE :Are you still shaking and trembling?

AFFE :What will they do to us tomorrow morning?

BURHANETTN :The theater will be closed. Thats it. They cant do much else.

AFFE :What else, what else?

BURHANETTN :Youre crying!

AFFE :[Wiping off her tears.] Yes, because my theater is closed again. But this time itisnt only that. Tonight, for the first time, I am crying for another reasonI amwithout work and penniless.

BURHANETTN :[Anxiously and emphatically.] Afife, my dear, I can help you.

SENYE :Come with us to Egypt. Well go there soon after we get married.


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AFFE :One cant accept money if one doesnt earn it.

BURHANETTN :You cant think like that in the world of the theater.

AFFE :I believe in the dignity of my profession. I cant live there on charity.

SENYE :Then, come. Well perform in Egypt and youll pay back Burhanettin.

AFFE :Seniye, my dear, I dont know why, but I cannot leave Istanbul. [The sounds oflute and song are heard from afar.] Oh, the lutenist . . . that young man . . .

SENYE :

He has such a sweet voice.BURHANETTN :

Young ladies, permit me to go. I am very tired tonight.

AFFE :Arent you going to have a cup of tea with us?

BURHANETTN :Id rather have something stronger, but you two dont know anything about that.Well . . . I say good-night to you. [METHYEenters with the tea tray.]

METHYE :Oh, are you going away? The tea is ready, nicely brewed.

BURHANETTN :Let the young ladies drink. God be with you. [Exits asAFFEaccompanies him tothe door.]

METHYE :It is wonderful that youre going to marry Burhanettin Bey. My daughter isincapable of doing something like that. Her mind is occupied with this blastedtheater, she sees nothing else.

SENYE :Shes still so young.

METHYE :Yes, but time flies by before you know it. [AFFEenters and understands that they

are talking about her, she is upset.]AFFE :

Mother, you should go to bed, its getting late.

METHYE :Seniye Hanms bed.


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AFFE :Ill make it.

METHYE :

I was going to say that I made it. Good-night children. [Exits. The two youngwomen holding their tea cups seem to be pondering.]

AFFE :[Sadly.] So the company is going to break up. I feel as if I am like a slate,constantly being written on and constantly being erased. My splitting headachesdont let me rest. There is no one, no money, no work. Ive had enough, enough,enough.

SENYE :[Startled.] Afife, be sensible, your mother will hear. Whats the matter with you?

AFFE :

[More subdued.] I cant stand it anymore. I am unable to do anything I want. Icant even scream to my hearts content.

SENYE :Look, I am telling you again, youre a great actress, youre wasted here.

AFFE :If I am going to do something, I want to do it here. Thats it.

SENYE :Afife, I want to tell you something, but please, dont be mad at me.

AFFE :Go ahead.

SENYE :Afife, Dr. Suat cant find a cure for your trouble.

AFFE :[Disturbed.] I have terrible headaches.

SENYE :So . . .

AFFE :So what . . . hes the doctor.

SENYE :I want to go to Egypt with my heart at ease. You know how much I love you, eversince the days we set up a curtain and acted in your parents home. I want to helpyou. I feel uneasy.

AFFE :[Coolly.] Why? Anyway, Ill find work.


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SENYE :Im not worried that youll be without work. Burhanettin Bey talked to bnrrefikBey and told him to employ you in case his company broke up. Theyll get in

touch with you soon.AFFE :

[Getting more spirited.] Really? Why didnt you tell me before?

SENYE :What if you dont see this Dr. Suat and see another doctor?

AFFE :You talk like my mother!

SENYE :Is it impossible?

AFFE :

I dont know what to say, lets go to sleep.SENYE :

I understand.

AFFE :[Puts the tea service on the tray and walks away.] Good-night, dear.

Lights dim

SCENE 10

[Dr. SUATs office. AFFEis sitting in an armchair. SUAT is sitting on the cornerof the table. He hands her the cigarette he takes out from the corner of his mouth.]

Dr. SUAT :Here, take it, take a puff, youll feel better.

AFFE :[Takes the cigarette and inhales.] Theres no hope, right? For days Ive beenhaving nightmares. Ive fought the whole world. Ive tried not to come to you.Why did you do this to me? Why, Doctor? Didnt you take the Hippocratic oath?

Dr. SUAT :You were suffering too much. You couldnt stand the pain.

AFFE :I wish I were dead. You did this to me deliberately. Why? Dont tell me that Iwas suffering. Now I am suffering much more. Besides, I am ashamed and I hateboth you and myself.


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Dr. SUAT :Then you shouldnt have come. I didnt invite you.

AFFE :I cant help it. I cant stand the pain.

Dr. SUAT :What do you want?

AFFE :You know what I want.

Dr. SUAT :What about your promise? Is it still there?

AFFE :Yes, please, or do something else . . . kill me, please.

Dr. SUAT :Why? Why should you be wasted, Afife? I loved you from the first day I saw you.I wanted you to be mine. For you to be dependent on me. Perhaps I wanted you tobe like me. Maybe so that I could dominate you. Dont you understand?

AFFE :Oh, come on, I dont want to hear anything now. Please, hurry up and give me ashot.

Dr. SUAT:[HugsAFFE.] Will you be mine?

AFFE :[Violently.] No, no! Why? [Frees herself fromDr. SUAT. He tries to look at herin the eye.]

Dr. SUAT :Be mine . . . If not, I cant give you anything. I wont. Marry me . . . everythingwill be alright. If you dont want to get married, lets live together . . . the two ofus . . .

AFFE :[Cries.] No, no, no. I cant bring myself to do it, never.

Dr. SUAT :Then leave at once. I cant control myself any longer. I am warning you.

AFFE :

Please . . . have a little pity . . . only a little . . . just to put myself together. I willnever disturb you again. Tomorrow I am starting to act in a new play, with a newcompany and new players. Please!

Dr. SUAT :If you dont belong to me, I will not do it.


58/83

- 58 -

AFFE :Ill give you all my money. [Takes it out of her pocketbook.] Look, this is akeepsake from my grandfather. It has great meaning for me, but it is also very

valuable. Ill give it to you. [Begins to rage.] If you dont give me a shot, Illscream, Ill tell everyone about you . . . everything . . . to your patients out there.

Dr. SUAT :Be quiet! [HoldsAFFEs arms and shakes her.] Shut up or Ill smash your face.[Lets her go angrily.] Last time! I dont ever want to see you here again.[Prepares the injection.] Last time. Goddamn it . . . take that damn piece ofjewelry and get out. I am not a usurer.

AFFE :[Somewhat relieved.] Youre a murderer!

Lights dim

SCENE 11

[The same part ofHDAYETs house. WomenNEIGHBORS are sitting and talking inwhispers. METHYEand theAUNTare pacing the floor. HDAYET BEYis dead; hiscoffin is carried out by some men. AFFEenters the room looking distraught, seesthe people and withdraws.]

FIRST WOMAN :Isnt this his daughter . . . the actress Afife?

AUNT :Yes, the poor man died of grief because of her.

SECOND WOMAN :[Whispers in the ear of the FIRST WOMAN.] Shes no beauty. I wonder

Afife Jale

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