Azize takes on a parental role for her siblings. What aspect of this character impacted you the most while playing her? How do you perceive the challenging and empowering sides of Azize carrying such a heavy burden?
Hazal Subaşı: Azize’s mother entrusted her with an enormous responsibility, saying, “Now, you’re their mother,” and left her siblings in Azize’s care as she passed away. Azize was already raised to take on this role, being the oldest sister. Keeping her family together and protecting them has always been her top priority. She grew up aware of the dangers around them, yet always dreading the day they might truly come. A very difficult life awaits the six siblings. They’re struggling to survive in an unfamiliar world, and the only thing keeping them from falling apart is Azize’s strength. She learns about life, the city, and other people as she goes, and each difficult situation she faces makes her stronger.
Azize is a selfless character who is willing to do anything for her siblings. How do you bring out the strengths of this character as you portray her deep sense of loyalty and sacrifice? What was it like for you to explore Azize’s almost “eagle-like” protective side?
Hazal Subaşı: When I first read the script, I was deeply moved by Azize’s strength, her stance in life, and how she shields her siblings, almost like an eagle, protecting her own against the struggles of life. Her determination to stand tall against every challenge that comes with inexperience and the unknown moves me deeply.
How does this selflessness shape Azize’s character? As you play this side of Azize, how do you interpret someone who puts herself so completely aside? As someone who completely changes her life for her siblings, how did understanding and portraying such deep emotional attachment make you feel?
Hazal Subaşı: Azize puts herself aside to care for her siblings, who rely on her entirely. No matter what they go through, their unwavering bond becomes the clearest expression of their love, showing how their connection is a powerful form of resistance against life’s hardships.
As someone who has lived her entire life in the forest, what kind of challenges does Azize face when she arrives in a large, complex city like İstanbul? What kind of emotional state did you enter while portraying her ways of coping with this new world?
Hazal Subaşı: She knows nothing. For her, entering an entirely different life with her young siblings entrusted to her care is like going through a new birth.
It’s an unknown life, a journey full of struggles, and they are a family without protection, unable to predict what will happen next.
Bringing Azize’s experiences, emotions, and spirit to life and connecting with her world excites me as well.
Hazal Subaşı: ”Family is where we take root, learn about life, feel protected and cared for, where bonds and loyalty come first.“
This story emphasizes the strength of family bonds and the importance of supporting one another. From your character’s perspective, what do you think about the significance of family ties? How does this loyalty motivate your character?
Hazal Subaşı: Family is where we take root, learn about life, feel protected and cared for, where bonds and loyalty come first. Azize and her siblings, however, were forced to continue their lives without this bond from a very young age. Despite all the hardships, they try to stand strong through their connection to each other. Love heals, protects, and nurtures everything. I hope that Azize and her siblings never lose the love they feel for each other.
This exclusive interview with Hazal Subaşı was featured in Episode Magazine’s DICM 2024 issue.
