Melike Toz

The Strangers' Case

Over four centuries ago, William Shakespeare collaborated with others on a play about the historical figure Sir Thomas More. In it, he wrote a speech in which More passionately articulates a defence of refugees, culminating in a poignant reference to their plight. Fast-forward to the present: Aleppo, in the midst of the Syrian civil war. Amira, a paediatric surgeon, performs a life-saving operation during the darkest days of the conflict. Through an unexpected twist of fate, she and her daughter become central characters in a dangerous tale that intricately interweaves the lives of five families spanning four continents and redefines all of their existences. Versions of this story continue to repeat themselves over the centuries. For this reason, Shakespeare aptly named this plight “The Strangers’ Case”.

The Great Istanbul Depression

Didem and Ayse aren't able to find a job even though it has been a while since they've graduated from the university. In this time period in which these two young women step into adulthood and need to make money now - this period of time that is short for humanity, but lingering for them - the days are not much different from the previous ones. On the other hand, in order to able to stay in Istanbul, they must at least earn enough money to cover their rent, on the other hand, what they dream of, what want to do. They cannot find a way to earn money. On the edge of the metropolis, they are stuck in between the skyscrapers rising among the terrace of their home and the ruined apartment buildings.