Miray Besli and Chandler Stephenson perform in HardLove at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
“This dark, sexy comedy follows the one-night stand of an unlikely couple. What starts as a drunken hookup, spirals into a raw, funny and deeply intimate clash of desire, fantasy and identity.
As they struggle to connect physically, they unravel emotionally. With razor-sharp dialogue, electric choreography and the pulse of rock’n’roll, HardLove dives headfirst into what lies beyond lust.
One night. No rules. Just dark, colorful desire.”
Where: Ivy Studio/Lime Studio at Greenside @ George Street
When: 1-16 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/hardlove
Read on for a chat with both Miray and Chandler.
HardLove sounds quite imaginative with music and choreography along with the drama. Has it been easy to get into the minds of the characters?
MIRAY – It is a very unique play. HardLove is a provocative, dark comedy. I would say I can relate to the character, ChiChi in so many ways. Chi means “Life force, sexual force” and Chichi is the free-spirited, fiery ‘life force, sexual force’ in the play.
I intend to blur the line between me and this character. This gives me freedom to connect with my deep, raw, intimate, animale and vulnerable sides. I would say it is challenging in some ways. But I love digging deep and connecting with those parts of me.
Also, more than getting into the mind of the character, I would say I really intend to get into the body, heart and soul of this character for real.
CHANDLER – Easy isn’t necessarily the word I would use, but I would say comfortable. There’s many moments in a man’s life where they just have no idea what they’re doing.
I think Theodore in HardLove has been put in one of those familiar situations where he’s a little ahead of himself.
Personally, I’ve been there, so this concept is extremely familiar and comfortable to get into his mind.
One night, zero rules is the tag-line for the show. What should audiences expect?
MIRAY – Audiences should expect to see a real connection between a man and a woman. I believe most of the audiences will also see themselves in the play and relate to what is happening.
It is a 1 hour play but it is a wild ride with big laughs, drama, vulnerabilities, intriguing dialogues about sex, fun, desire, lust, disappointment, anger, fear, love…
All kinds of mixed emotions that make us human and these two characters live them fullest in this wild ride.
CHANDLER – I think audiences should expect a very realistic night out. Love, big oopsies, laughing, and just when you think you know where it’s headed next, it surprises you.
How did you make a start as a performer? Do Fringe festivals inspire you?
MIRAY – I started acting when I was playing in commercials at the university. But it got way more serious when I came to New York City and did my MFA at Actors Studio Drama School for 3 years.
I fell in love with the craft and the complexity of being human. I loved how acting helps us get deeper with our untouched, uninhibited parts of our souls. I’ve never stopped since then. I continue doing art for myself and for my soul.
Fringe Festivals excite me a lot. We are so excited that we will be part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. I am so ready to get inspired to the fullest in these upcoming weeks.
CHANDLER – I made a start through school, but it really picked up when I moved to NYC to pursue my MFA.
Fringe festivals absolutely inspire me. They draw in the most creative, driven artists that dig deep to create.
Having the ability to be immersed in those types of collaborators inspires me to keep creating at the highest level.
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
MIRAY – I am looking forward to meeting all artists, creatives from all around the world. I am an international actress and I love meeting new people from all different parts of the world who share the same excitement.
Even the thought of it makes me hyped right now. I am a traveler and I love making art and I love watching art. Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the perfecto combination.
CHANDLER – The people! I’m so excited to make connections and network with artists all across the globe. All I want for this experience is to share a piece of myself on stage in HardLove, and to be received with open arms by the community that inspires me the most.
Where can we see your work after Fringe?
MIRAY – I am based both in Istanbul and New York City. I also do independent movies and I can travel anytime anywhere.
But next year, my plan is to be mostly in New York City and continue playing HardLove in New York City. (We had successful runs of HardLove at Soho Playhouse last May and June.)
We are also working on adapting our play, HardLove, into an independent movie and have plans to stage it in LA and London stages.
I have another psychological drama thriller feature movie project for next summer which will be shot in the north part of Turkey.
CHANDLER – I’m based in NYC, so my next projects will be all scattered through the city. If you’re ever stopping by please feel free to reach out, I’d love to connect.