Duru Melek Özbay, who has proven herself in different fields of art, mesmerizes the audience with her energetic performances as a dancer at Anadolu Ateşi, and leaves a mark with her emotional scenes at Perde Sanat Tiyatrosu. We had the opportunity to sit down with her and discuss her passion for art, her career journey, and her future projects.
–Duru Melek Özbay, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born in Ankara in 2008. I am currently a 9th grade student at Ankara Turk Telekom Social Sciences High School. Dance and theater occupy a significant part of my life. In my spare time from school and stage, I try to spend time with my friends and family.
–How did you become interested in dancing and theater? What was the process of discovering this passion like for you?
Can you tell us a bit about the play “Bu Da Geçer Ya Hu” (“This Too Shall Pass”)? When I was born, my family was already involved in theater, so I grew up always admiring them. When I attended my parents’ rehearsals, I used to do my homework in the theater seats :). That’s how I started getting interested in theater. When I stepped onto the stage, I felt very free and happy, and I realized I was in the right place. As I began to be interested in art, I also discovered dance. I joined the ‘Bu Da Geçer Ya Hu’ team just two weeks before the play premiered, but I immediately bonded with the team. The play had a profound impact on me, and I believe it had the same effect on the audience. It makes you both laugh and cry.
–Is it challenging to continue your artistic career while pursuing your education?
How do you balance these two areas? To be honest, there are moments when I struggle a lot, but I believe that if you truly love what you do, nothing and no one can stop you. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself how much I enjoy art and that motivates me.
–You are involved both as an actor in the play “Bu Da Geçer Ya Hu” by Perde Sanat theater and in the dance world with the Anadolu Ateşi team. What satisfaction and happiness do you derive from working with these two separate teams?
These two teams have very different disciplines, but they both bring together people who are dedicated to art and shaping their lives around it. I feel very special and valuable to be part of both Perde Sanat theater unique team and Anadolu Ateşi.
–What advice do you have for young artists or young people interested in dance and theater?
First and foremost, being willing to make significant sacrifices for art is crucial. You must be prepared to give up a lot when necessary and work hard. If you ever feel exhausted and consider giving up, never give up…
–How do you continue to develop yourself in the field of art and performance? What inspires you in the process of learning and progressing?
I make sure to practice every day and take every opportunity to receive training in the field of art. I always take into account what my teachers and elders tell me, and I strive to implement their advice in my next performance, thus improving myself. Additionally, the person who inspires me the most in the field of art is my father, Volkan Özbay.
–Lastly, what would you like to say to theater lovers?
Because you hold art and theater in your heart, you will always be different from ordinary people. Stay healthy and stay with theater…
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