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| "Actors play a significant role in addressing issues such as gender equality, freedom, and human rights. Through these stories, we don’t just entertain—we spark change and raise awareness." |
For me, art is more than a form of expression; it’s a way of discovering myself and making sense of life. Since childhood, I’ve been interested in various fields—being on stage, telling stories, and bringing characters to life with my voice have always fascinated me. Rather than sticking to just one discipline, exploring different fields of art has given me both freedom and fulfillment. Each of these fields enriches me in its unique way, and this diversity makes my career even more meaningful.
2. Growing up in Düzce, how did your early environment shape your artistic perspective and creativity?
The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Düzce were among the most important sources of inspiration for my imagination. Growing up in a small town allowed me to get closer to people and listen to their stories. Being surrounded by nature taught me to notice the small details and perceive the world differently. Moreover, my family and the people around me always valued art, and this was a motivating factor.
3. As a seasoned theater artist, how does performing on stage differ for you emotionally and creatively compared to acting in front of a camera?
Being on stage is a completely different energy and excitement for me. Synchronizing your breath with a live audience, feeling their reactions in real time, and connecting with them is one of the most magical aspects of theater. Every performance is unique; even if you perform the same play every night, the emotional tone and energy of the performance change.
On the other hand, acting in front of a camera requires more detailed work and technical skills. It’s a more controlled process, as you have the opportunity to capture every moment perfectly. However, both mediums have their own charm, and one cannot replace the other. I love being spontaneous on stage, while on camera, I enjoy telling a story with greater depth.
4. You’ve portrayed a wide range of characters. How do you prepare yourself to bring authenticity to such diverse roles?
Each character is a new journey for me. The first step is to understand the character’s world—examining their past, motivations, fears, and dreams in depth. The script serves as my guide, but I also add layers to the character through my imagination.
Then, physical preparation begins; body language, tone of voice, and the way a character walks are all crucial elements in shaping their identity. I focus on creating an emotional connection with the character and the audience, because I believe authenticity comes from this emotional exchange. Each character leaves a part of themselves with me, and this enriches me both as an actor and as a person.
5. Voice acting is an art in itself. How do you approach giving life and personality to characters through your voice alone?
Voice acting is like building a world using only your voice—it’s a magical process. The first step is understanding the emotional state and personality of the character.
I use my tone, speed, and emphasis to reflect the character’s emotional state. For example, I would use a more energetic and light tone for a cheerful character, while opting for a deeper, heavier tone in a dramatic scene.
Moreover, I don’t just use my voice, but my entire body while performing in front of the microphone. The naturalness and emotion of the voice come to life when the body is also engaged in the performance. This process makes bringing a character to life with just the voice both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
6. As a prominent figure in Turkish arts, how do you see the role of actors in shaping societal narratives or challenging norms?
Art is the mirror of society, and as actors, we have the responsibility to hold up that mirror. As storytellers, it’s our job to make visible the hidden issues, challenges, and beauties within society. The characters we play and the stories we tell inspire people to think, empathize, and sometimes question the world around them.
Moreover, challenging norms and offering new perspectives is also a crucial power of art. Actors play a significant role in addressing issues such as gender equality, freedom, and human rights. Through these stories, we don’t just entertain—we spark change and raise awareness. This is why, in every project I take on, I think about how my character or the story being told can make a positive impact on society.
7. You’ve successfully balanced acting, presenting, and voice work. What’s your secret to mastering multiple disciplines while keeping each fresh and engaging?
Each discipline has its own charm and challenge, but balancing them all brings me great fulfillment. The secret lies in focusing on each area individually while keeping them fresh and engaging. For example, acting allows me to build a deep character, while presenting requires quick thinking and a dynamic approach. Voice acting, on the other hand, is all about creating a world with just your voice.
This diversity allows me to treat each discipline individually and approach each one with a fresh perspective. Additionally, transitioning between different disciplines makes each one even more valuable. In every new project, I find opportunities to learn and grow, and this balance provides both professional and personal development.
8. Is there a particular moment or project in your career that stands out as especially meaningful or transformative for you?
I learn something new from every project, but certain moments have truly transformed my career. Valley of Wolves, one of the biggest projects of my life, which introduced me to a wider audience, was especially significant. In that project, while discovering myself and my abilities, the connection I formed with the audience deeply impacted me.
Also, voice acting in all projects is particularly meaningful. Bringing a character to life with my voice reminds me of how universal acting can be. These projects not only impacted me professionally but also personally, offering me new perspectives and helping me grow.
9. What advice would you give to young individuals who dream of pursuing a career as multifaceted as yours?
Believe in yourself and follow your passion. Art is a multifaceted journey, and you learn new things with every step you take. Patience is key in this process. Develop yourself in different areas, but also take the time to explore each one deeply.
Each discipline has its challenges and beauty, but the lessons you take from them will make you stronger. Also, don’t let your courage falter. Always push forward, create new opportunities, and challenge your limits. The road to success is rarely smooth, but every challenge teaches you something valuable. Exploring different roles and disciplines will not only grow you as an artist but also as a person.
10. If you could switch lives with any character you’ve played for a day, who would it be and why?
I would love to switch lives with my character, Prosecutor Leyla, from Kurtlar Vadisi for a day. The charisma, experience, and power of decision-making in the role of a prosecutor fascinate me. The profession demands mental and emotional strength, and stepping into her world for a day and experiencing her responsibilities and decisions would give me a new perspective.
4. You’ve portrayed a wide range of characters. How do you prepare yourself to bring authenticity to such diverse roles?
Each character is a new journey for me. The first step is to understand the character’s world—examining their past, motivations, fears, and dreams in depth. The script serves as my guide, but I also add layers to the character through my imagination.
Then, physical preparation begins; body language, tone of voice, and the way a character walks are all crucial elements in shaping their identity. I focus on creating an emotional connection with the character and the audience, because I believe authenticity comes from this emotional exchange. Each character leaves a part of themselves with me, and this enriches me both as an actor and as a person.
5. Voice acting is an art in itself. How do you approach giving life and personality to characters through your voice alone?
Voice acting is like building a world using only your voice—it’s a magical process. The first step is understanding the emotional state and personality of the character.
I use my tone, speed, and emphasis to reflect the character’s emotional state. For example, I would use a more energetic and light tone for a cheerful character, while opting for a deeper, heavier tone in a dramatic scene.
Moreover, I don’t just use my voice, but my entire body while performing in front of the microphone. The naturalness and emotion of the voice come to life when the body is also engaged in the performance. This process makes bringing a character to life with just the voice both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
6. As a prominent figure in Turkish arts, how do you see the role of actors in shaping societal narratives or challenging norms?
Art is the mirror of society, and as actors, we have the responsibility to hold up that mirror. As storytellers, it’s our job to make visible the hidden issues, challenges, and beauties within society. The characters we play and the stories we tell inspire people to think, empathize, and sometimes question the world around them.
Moreover, challenging norms and offering new perspectives is also a crucial power of art. Actors play a significant role in addressing issues such as gender equality, freedom, and human rights. Through these stories, we don’t just entertain—we spark change and raise awareness. This is why, in every project I take on, I think about how my character or the story being told can make a positive impact on society.
7. You’ve successfully balanced acting, presenting, and voice work. What’s your secret to mastering multiple disciplines while keeping each fresh and engaging?
Each discipline has its own charm and challenge, but balancing them all brings me great fulfillment. The secret lies in focusing on each area individually while keeping them fresh and engaging. For example, acting allows me to build a deep character, while presenting requires quick thinking and a dynamic approach. Voice acting, on the other hand, is all about creating a world with just your voice.
This diversity allows me to treat each discipline individually and approach each one with a fresh perspective. Additionally, transitioning between different disciplines makes each one even more valuable. In every new project, I find opportunities to learn and grow, and this balance provides both professional and personal development.
8. Is there a particular moment or project in your career that stands out as especially meaningful or transformative for you?
I learn something new from every project, but certain moments have truly transformed my career. Valley of Wolves, one of the biggest projects of my life, which introduced me to a wider audience, was especially significant. In that project, while discovering myself and my abilities, the connection I formed with the audience deeply impacted me.
Also, voice acting in all projects is particularly meaningful. Bringing a character to life with my voice reminds me of how universal acting can be. These projects not only impacted me professionally but also personally, offering me new perspectives and helping me grow.
9. What advice would you give to young individuals who dream of pursuing a career as multifaceted as yours?
Believe in yourself and follow your passion. Art is a multifaceted journey, and you learn new things with every step you take. Patience is key in this process. Develop yourself in different areas, but also take the time to explore each one deeply.
Each discipline has its challenges and beauty, but the lessons you take from them will make you stronger. Also, don’t let your courage falter. Always push forward, create new opportunities, and challenge your limits. The road to success is rarely smooth, but every challenge teaches you something valuable. Exploring different roles and disciplines will not only grow you as an artist but also as a person.
10. If you could switch lives with any character you’ve played for a day, who would it be and why?
I would love to switch lives with my character, Prosecutor Leyla, from Kurtlar Vadisi for a day. The charisma, experience, and power of decision-making in the role of a prosecutor fascinate me. The profession demands mental and emotional strength, and stepping into her world for a day and experiencing her responsibilities and decisions would give me a new perspective.
It would be a valuable experience both professionally and personally, and I believe it would help me understand the complexities of the character even more deeply.
Bio-
Born 13 July 1982 in Duzce. She has Turkish and Circassian ancestry. Cigdem has 21 years of a professional career in Turkey. She received her bachelor’s degree from Gazi University Faculty of Communication Department of Public Relations and Publicity in Ankara in 2004. She then received her master's degree from Bahcesehir University in Advanced Acting in 2008. She is currently a PhD student due to graduate in 2021. Cigdem has also been a lecturer at reputable Capital City Communication Sciences Academy since 2019 in Turkey and has organized many workshops and tutorial classes in acting and drama. Cigdem first started working as an actress on television and also she started working as a VoiceOver artist in 2006.
Cigdem Batur is a theatre, cinema and TV series actress, voice actress, and presenter. She worked as a presenter, acting, program and director assistant in various programs at TRT (Turkish Radio Television) which is the first TV station founded in 1964.
Interviewed by : Shivam Sharma
Edited by : Shivam Sharma
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