Interview with Defne Epikmen

A UCU Performance Studies Alumna Shares Her Insights

Of the many tracks offered at University College Utrecht (UCU), the Performance Studies track stands out as a dynamic and multifaceted program. Read about this track’s unique experiences and benefits, as told by Defne Epikmen, a UCU alumna who graduated in January 2023. As we delved into her journey through Performance Studies, Defne provided valuable insights into why she chose the Performance Studies track, how it shaped her career trajectory and the profound impact it has had on her perspective of the world and art.

Discovering the Intersection of Theory and Practice: Defne’s Path to Performance Studies

Defne began her academic journey at UCU with a long-lasting interest in theatre, a passion cultivated since her early years. In her own words, Defne shares, “It’s a very personal thing. I’ve always been drawn to theater, and I always knew that I wanted to do something related to it.”

The unique blend of theory and practice within the Performance Studies track at UCU proved to be a perfect fit for Defne. "I like academia, I love learning theory, but I also love when it involves practice because I think through practice, theory fits in better. Performance Studies really offered me that combination."

Real-World Application: Shaping a Career in the Arts

After graduating from UCU in January, Defne postponed her graduate studies and stepped into the professional world to immerse herself in performance arts. Her experiences as a venue manager and guide for international artists at festivals, notably the Istanbul Theater Festival, underscore the real-world applicability and practicality of her Performance Studies background while still drawing from the academic depth that is also embedded in the track.  “Having studied performing arts really helped me in that sense,” she explains, “I knew what kind of conditions artists would want to be welcomed into the venue.”

Aside from working in festivals, Defne also participates in Perform Istanbul, a performance studies research group, where she collaborates on a research project investigating how to archive performance arts. Defne shared how "the architecture of the track really helped me in what I do now. Theoretical bits, especially from UCU's track, have been valuable in my engagement with the performance studies research group."

Performance Studies Beyond UCU: 

While Performance Studies may be perceived as niche, Defne’s experience in the track has opened her eyes to a vast and dynamic world. “When I came out of UCU, I was surprised to see that so many performing arts festivals exist, so many performing arts collectives exist, and so much has been written on performing arts.”

Today, Defne continues to explore and expand her knowledge of performance studies and its broader relevance to society, a topic she has been exploring since her time at UCU. For her thesis, Defne explored the transformative power of performance arts and how, by using a feminist and situated lens, you can see the transformative power of performance arts. In Defne's view, "It's not just studying performing arts on its own; it's about the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and perspectives." For Defne, studying performance arts is about "how art relates to these different social issues. How much art is embedded in society and how much it can have transformative power."

When reflecting on the place of performance arts in broader society, Defne thinks its importance is often understated: “Performance studies, in a way, is just picking up issues from society, and then making your own norms through it [performance arts].”

The Essence of Performance Studies: A Nuanced Approach to Art

For Defne, performance studies have shaped her career trajectory and transformed her approach to art. The major facilitated a more nuanced understanding of artistic expression, intertwining it with societal issues. “I think people should realize that there is really much an advantage of having a performance studies track in a liberal arts school,” Defne asserts. The program’s ability to navigate complex cultural landscapes, connect with diverse communities, and instill a sense of creativity sets Performance Studies apart. Defne shares that to do the performing studies track is to understand the role the arts play in society. “You get to see how much it [performing arts] is embedded in all of society, and how much performing arts is intertwined with all other subjects.”

Advice for Prospective Students: A Call to Creativity and Open-Mindedness

As a parting note, Defne offers valuable advice to prospective students considering the Performance Studies track. Emphasizing the importance of creativity and an open-minded approach, she notes, “If you’re drawn to creativity but also academia, I think you’re the kind of person who should do performing arts.” For Defne, “the way that the class was built and how the practice and academia came together. That really drew me to that track because I’ve been the person who likes academia... but I also love when it involves practice.”

What is Defne’s advice to students taking performance arts? “You really need to go with the flow of the track and let it take you and go with it... If you’re that kind of person who doesn’t mind being driven but also likes going with the flow, I think that’s important.” 

Defne’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of Performance Studies, urging future students to embrace the unique blend of theory and practice the major offers. Defne recounts, “Performing arts really propelled me into this world of art... I just have a different approach to art now because of performance studies.” 

A Gateway to a World of Creativity: Performance Studies at UCU

Defne Epikmen’s journey through Performance Studies at UCU paints a vivid picture of the major’s transformative power. Beyond the theoretical realm, Performance Studies extends its reach into the real world, equipping students with skills that transcend traditional academic boundaries. As prospective students contemplate their academic path, Defne’s experiences illuminate the multifaceted and impactful nature of Performance Studies at UCU as a gateway to a world of creativity, innovation, and a nuanced understanding of the intersection between art and life.