Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Theatre Community continues to organize events aimed at supporting the culture and artistic development of students. In this regard and within the scope of the 4th Duvar Workshop Days and the World Theatre Day, a talk event was held with Hayko Cepkin and Pelin Akil, both of whom are famous artists from Türkiye.
EMU Theatre Community Executive Board Member Furkan Sırakaya and, Istanbul State Theatres Artist and former member of EMU Theatre Community Vehbi Akıntürk coordinated the event that took place at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, academic and administrative staff as well as many students attended the event.
During the talk, which attracted significant participation, Hayko Cepkin and Pelin Akil offered sincere and inspiring reflections on their artistic careers. Sharing the challenges they faced and the experiences they acquired throughout their professional journeys, the guests speakers highlighted that art demands discipline, patience, and passion.
The guests also provided remarks on the theatre play “Jekyll & Hyde,” which they have recently brought to the stage, offering insights into their perspectives on theatre and detailing the behind-the-scenes efforts and production process. During the talk, Hayko Cepkin and Pelin Akil advised young people to pursue their own paths with confidence and emphasized the role of art in individual development. The talk concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by the presentation of plaques by Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu.
“Provides Significant Contributions to Students’ Personal Development”
Prior to the event, Hayko Cepkin and Pelin Akil paid a courtesy visit to the EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, in his office. During the visit, which was also attended by EMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, the importance of cultural and artistic activities held at the university was emphasized.
Expressing his satisfaction with the visit, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that EMU is an institution that supports its students not only academically but also in the fields of art and culture, emphasizing that such events make significant contributions to students’ personal development. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also underlined that the university will continue to bring together distinguished figures in their respective fields with students.
Moreover, Hayko Cepkin and Pelin Akil expressed their great pleasure at being at EMU, noting that meeting with students is also an inspiring experience for them. The guests stated that the value the university places on art is truly commendable and thanked the audience for the interest shown. At the end of the visit, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç presented Cepkin and Akil with Cyprus-specific gifts.
“Everything Begins with Imagination”
In an interview with EMU TV, Hayko Cepkin expressed his great pleasure at being at EMU and shared insights into the latest project he performed together with Pelin Akil. Explaining that he experimented with integrating his own music into the theatre stage, combining both music and theatre to create a contemporary performance, Cepkin noted that the feedback they received indicated their success in this endeavor. Speaking about his goal of writing his own musical, Cepkin emphasized that success comes from the combination of many factors such as discipline, achievement, talent, and luck. Addressing EMU students, he advised: “Set goals, work towards them, pursue realistic and attainable dreams, and if things do not work out, have the courage to move on and take a different path.”
In her interview with EMU TV, Pelin Akil stated that she greatly admired Cyprus and EMU, expressing her sincere happiness at being there. She also noted that she was delighted to be together with EMU students and shared that, throughout her career journey, she has trusted her heart and followed the path it has shown her. Addressing the students, Akil said: “They should not lose sight of their goals. They should dream. Everything begins with imagination.”
