Kurt En Shura

Season 1 eExtra (*195) 20:30 Telenovela

The hardest part of a production that’s set in a different era is the costumes, like in war period-drama telenovela Kurt En Shura. “We are still fortunate in the fact that our show is set not too long ago,” says lead star Kivanç Tatlitug. “My role as Kurt Seyit is as a solder in the Imperial Guard. It’s wonderful because Kurt isn’t wearing a traditional soldier’s uniform. He wears this thick war fur, a warm wool jacket, even the riding boots are very comfortable,” says the 38-year-old.

Series creator Nermin Bezmen hired the best of the best costumers for creating the show’s look and the clothes that the characters wear. “It was important to be authentic. I went straight to Head Of Wardrobe Senem Kayhan. We have worked together for years and she’s the best,” says Nermin. And Senem couldn’t be happier, saying that “Nermin writes incredible shows. She knows what she wants and with every character, she had a list of clothes for me to make. I had a tiny bit of freedom, but things like the soldier uniforms, we used photos from that time – the early 1900s.”

But Senem has used tricks of the trade to keep the actors comfortable and able to work unimpeded. “If you look at the dresses, if it was real, they’d be almost 15kg. That’s difficult to wear and act in, so we’ve used much lighter fabrics.” New technology and materials don’t mean that Senem has given up on all the traditional ways. “If you can see the garment, say a dress or a shirt or a jacket, and you can see the stitching, we did it without the use of modern sewing machines. We hand-stitched and made the clothes the traditional way so that they look correct,” says the show’s Head Of Wardrobe. “We brought the actors in and fitted them and made sure they’re comfortable with everything. Working with old fashion is fun!” NB! See p35.