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Connecticut Theatre Company

Spotlight On: Cem Karaca

 

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast and crew of Cabaret. Get to know Cem Karaca who is portraying Ernst Ludwig!

 

 

Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:

Hello, I’m Cem!  I’m portraying Ernst Ludwig. The evil Nazi character of the show. 

 

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I had always been passionate about acting. When I saw the auditions for Cabaret, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to get involved, because it is a great show with historic significance. It also allowed me to sing, which is something that I love to do. 

 

How do you prepare for a new role or character, and what techniques do you use?

I read the script a few times and ask myself why my character says his lines. It is important to understand the intention at each point to convey the true nature of the character. The rest just falls into place after that. 

 

What do you love about your character?

There is nothing to “love” about this evil Nazi character, however from an acting point of view, the character offers a wide range of emotions. The character starts off as a friendly and charming guy, totally hiding his sinister nature. But the revelation of his dark side catches everyone by surprise. The total arc of these emotions makes this role a real challenge.

 

What challenges did you face bringing the script to life?

Being the focal bad guy of a show is a very strange feeling, especially when this character is representing the reprehensible  Nazi ideology . While it feels very awkward and emotionally taxing, I took it as a challenge to apply my acting training, and come up with a version of this evil as a believable character. I tried my best not to sugarcoat the atrocities that the Nazis committed but also tried to convey the dark side of the human nature. I hope it did resonate the way I intended with the audience.

 

Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?

I love all good stories and there are just too many to count each one. 

 

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?

I try to remind myself that I’m amongst a passionate group of people who got together to create something beautiful. This really helps my nerves to calm down and to appreciate the moment. 

 

Cabaret opens July 19th and runs through August 4th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!

 

“A stunning musical… this marionette’s-eye view of a time and place in our lives that was brassy, wanton, carefree and doomed to crumble is brilliantly conceived.”– Walter Kerr, The New York Times

“Stunning… a masterpiece of musical theater penned as a cautionary tale and not at all leavened by the embrace of paradox.” – Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune