Veda Yurtsever Wrote for "Tiyatro Dergisi" (Theatre Magazine)

VEDA YURTSEVER WROTE FOR "TİYATRO DERGİSİ" (THEATRE MAGAZINE)

We, the workers of State Theatres, have for years been forced to try extraordinary methods to keep the institution standing. We struggled so that, at the very least, the institution would not be shut down while we waited to get through this temporary period.

It has not ended, unfortunately — we have not been able to end it. We have seen 2 general directors who knew nothing of how the institution functions and have not rendered it the smallest service. Unfortunately, we were unable to prevent them from placing their personal egos above State Theatres — one of the state's most deep-rooted institutions.

Gaye Alacalı is one of the institution's hardest-working, most responsible, and most talented actors. One day, on a platform where State Theatres artists converse, she utters a sentence critical of the institution. Gaye Alacalı is summoned to the General Directorate in a manner that is not in accordance with the law, her phone is confiscated for 3 hours and she is kept waiting in a room, and she is asked to apologise — all without a lawyer or a representative by her side! Gaye Alacalı, understandably, requests an investigation into the treatment to which she was subjected.

Dilara Keyf Günüç is a dedicated, hardworking, talented colleague with whom I began working at Diyarbakır State Theatre in 1996. She has appeared in countless plays, won awards, and is among those who regard the institution as their home. She was elected Disciplinary Board Artist Representative with the highest number of votes. She expressed very clearly that what took place between Gaye Alacalı and the General Directorate was "unlawful," and fulfilled her responsibility as a representative by doing her duty. Now they are training their arrows on this colleague of ours and attempting to discredit her responsible stand and her name.

The salaries we receive are being presented in a figure that bears no relation to reality. Lies are being published in newspapers claiming that Dilara Keyf Günüç has not worked since 2018–2019 and does not deserve her salary. Dilara Keyf Günüç has already initiated an investigation — all of this will backfire. But I know that this sordid operation will not stop.

Now let us clear away the mud they have thrown:

1. For two years (2020–2021), not just Dilara — no one could work, because there was a pandemic. 2. Thereafter, Dilara Keyf Günüç took part in staged readings. 3. She worked at a children's theatre festival. 4. She took part in earthquake relief efforts and worked day and night for earthquake survivors. 5. She submitted 2 play project proposals, which were not accepted for various reasons. 6. She repeatedly requested roles in plays, but was even told: "You won the Sadri Alışık Best Actress Award in your last play — we can't cast you in just any role..." 7. As a disciplinary board representative, she tried to be present for everyone and everywhere.

Dear colleagues: what is "right"? Does the law vary depending on the person or the situation? Is it people we must preserve, or principles? It is our historical responsibility to lay stones that we will not be ashamed of when we look back from where we have arrived, years from now. Take care.

VEDA YURTSEVER