A Quiet Revolution on the London Stage: Elif İskender

In a career journey that stretches from Istanbul to London, Elif İskender, an actor, writer and educator, is emerging as one of the few Turkish artists leaving a mark on the British theatre scene.

After many years of stage and teaching experience in Turkey, İskender moved to London, where she has established herself both as a performer and a pedagogue within some of the UK’s most respected theatre institutions. Working with professional actors in the Shakespeare and Jacobean Acting programme at LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), she describes the experience not only as personal artistic development but also as a bridge between two theatrical cultures.

From RADA to LAMDA: Following the Classics

Alongside acting, İskender continues to produce work as a writer and director in London. Her play Happy New Year, which she wrote and directed, was staged at the prestigious RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London.

Performed by three actors, the play explored the complex relationship between two women who have been separated for many years. Themes of anger, resentment, love and friendship intertwined to create an emotionally layered narrative that resonated strongly with audiences. Discussions are currently under way for a UK–Turkey co-production to adapt the play for film.

Following this production, İskender enrolled at LAMDA to further develop her practice through a short contemporary acting programme. However, the institution invited her to join a select group of professional actors working within the Shakespeare and Jacobean acting programme.

This coincided with what the academy described as a renewed focus on classical texts. During this period, İskender performed several lord characters in Shakespeare productions.

Sharing the stage with actors whose native language was English presented both linguistic and rhythmic challenges.

“There is a melody in this language that comes from lullabies and nursery rhymes. We didn’t grow up with those rhythms. That’s why I worked with an accent coach, beginning almost from the level of nursery rhymes.”
— Elif İskender

During her time at LAMDA, İskender appeared in two productions, playing a central role that both opened and closed the performance. The intensive programme — which included movement, dance, music and contemporary acting — allowed her to observe British conservatoire training from the inside.

A New Play from Her Own Pen

İskender is currently working on a new play titled Alice. She describes the project as a universal story and plans to stage it in English in London in the near future.

A Studio for Actors in London

In 2017, İskender founded the Elif İskender Acting Academy in London, where she continues to offer actor training, including on-camera acting, voice and breath work, and improvisation workshops.

In recent years she has focused particularly on masterclass formats, working mainly with actors who already have stage experience rather than beginners. This approach allows her more time to develop new writing and creative projects.

Masterclasses Extend to Istanbul

Last month İskender also led a masterclass in Istanbul as part of the 4th International Women Playwrights Theatre Festival, organised by the Turkish State Theatres.

The festival honours women directors, actors and playwrights and has been running for four years. Invited as a guest artist, İskender conducted a workshop titled “Who Directs Whom?”

Over two intensive days, around 60 professional actors from both State and private theatres explored female characters from Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya and The Seagull. The workshop examined themes such as silent power, waiting, emotional captivity, innocence and liberation.

Entering the Industry: Quality Above All

İskender’s experiences also offer valuable insights for Turkish actors seeking to enter the London theatre scene. She emphasises that the British industry prioritises stage performance and professional ability rather than social media popularity.

Quoting a casting director she once met, she recalls: “Please don’t come to me with your Instagram follower count or Facebook page. I’m casting actors for a film that may go to the Oscars.”

“They don’t care about your follower count.
They care about what you can do on stage.”
— Elif İskender

In the UK, being registered with Spotlight — the main professional casting platform — is almost essential for actors seeking work. Alongside this, strong professional networks, discipline and consistency remain key elements for building a sustainable career.

From Pedagogy to Performance: Bridging Two Worlds

İskender believes that her academic and directing background in Turkey has strengthened her career in London. Her collaborations with students at Rose Bruford College and Collaboration Theatre have also opened new doors.

When one of her students demonstrated a remarkable transformation in performance, faculty members became curious about the teaching approach behind it. Their interest led to an invitation for İskender to serve as a supervisor within the programme.

Elif İskender’s story illustrates how the cultural bridge between Turkey and the United Kingdom can be built not only through diplomacy or trade, but also through the fragile yet powerful world of art.

The interview with Elif İskender is published in Turkish.

About Dr Elif İskender 

Dr Elif İskender is an actor, director, writer and educator. She is a graduate of LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) and has worked with leading theatre figures, including Dame Janet Suzman, on Shakespeare and contemporary acting techniques. Her play Happy New Year, which she wrote and directed, was staged at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London in 2023. İskender has appeared as an actor in theatre, film and television while also pursuing directing and actor training. With more than 25 years of academic experience, she has taught acting at several universities, including Dokuz Eylül University and Beykent University, where she served as Head of the Acting Department and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. She received her PhD in Performing Arts from Dokuz Eylül University. In 2017 she founded the Elif İskender Acting Academy in London, where she continues to offer training in acting, on-camera performance, voice and breath work, and improvisation. She is also invited as a speaker at international conferences and symposia and has published academic work in the field.