The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet brings Turgay Erdener’s modern ballet Afife back to the stage in a new production for the 2026–27 season, with İbrahim Yazıcı conducting. Libretto and choreography are by Beyhan Murphy. Performances take place in the Türk Telekom Opera Hall at AKM and last about 90 minutes.

The ballet tells the story of Afife Jale, the first Muslim Turkish woman to appear on stage, in 1919, at a time when this was forbidden. The story opens in the Bakırköy hospital where she spent her final years: she recalls four periods of her life, each portrayed by a different dancer.

Afife, by Turgay Erdener, one of the leading composers of Turkish opera and ballet, was first staged in 1998 by the Ankara State Opera and Ballet at AKM. The new production features sets by Efter Tunç, costumes by Bahar Korçan, lighting by Cem Yılmazer and video design by Aisha Hajiyeva.