Step, theatrical project to stage Syrian suffering abroad

Reporting by Lama Shammas; Writing by Yusra Ahmed

ISTANBUL (Zaman Al Wasl)-  Step, theatrical band, consists of Syrian youth, was founded in Aleppo, but now it performs some shows in Istanbul. “The band was founded in 2012, used to consist of 13 members, but now most of them traveled to Europe now only 4 left” Yusuf Baker, the stage actor explained.

According to Baker, most members got to know each other via the “revolutionary coordination pages” and found that acting and music was the common hobby and talent among them.

Step band’s members decided to resume their shows in Istanbul 6 months after their arrival to Turkey, taking advantage of the touristic aspect of the city, hoping to raise awareness of the Syrian revolution, according to Shahin Shikho, the writer and actor.

“We were surprised by the amount of audience who were impressed and enjoyed the show, some of them cried, and other even sworn to the actor who played the Shabih’s role” Shahin added.

He explained that in the following days, people used to gather around them once they start putting the decor. “streets’ shows need an official permission, but the Turkish Authorities helped us”

the "Step band" divided shows into two categories, indoor, which are exclusive to Syrians,via them they criticise the revolution’s and opposition’s mistakes and performance. The other category is the “outdoor, which targets all audience, and they concentrate on regime’s crimes.

The indoor performances were performed in a rented room, called “the shop” was transformed into a theatre, but later, the four members had to leave it because they were not able to pay the rent ($300).

The Band’s actors need to work during the day to secure their income, as Baker works in a sewing workshop in the morning, and Shikho works as a Turkish-Arabic translator, “other members work in sewing workshops and restaurants” shikho detailed.

The four remaining members insist to carry on their work in the band, challenging all difficulties like lacking of a place to perform or facilities for photography.

“There are another three members with me in the band, Mohmood, Yusuf, and Salah Baker” Shahin said.

He revealed that they work recently on releasing small sketches criticising corruption, beside owning a professional camera to make films from Aleppo.