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Highlight & Press

Jesus Christ Superstar

Komische Oper Berlin

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  • "At the same high level, the versatile Berlin-based performer Ilay Bal Arslan thrilled not only me as a beautiful, touching Mary Magdalene, wrapped in glittering red. Her voice, in all nuances of comfort and unconditional love, is even more appealing than Yvonne Elliman on the 1970 album."

    "Auf demselben hohen Niveau begeisterte nicht nur mich die in Berlin lebende vielseitige Performerin Ilay Bal Arslan als wunderschöne, in glitzerndes Rot gehüllte, berührende Maria Magdalena. Stimmlich in allen Abstufungen von Trost und unbedingter Liebe gefällt sie noch besser als Yvonne Elliman auf der 1970-er Platte."

    — Dr. Ingobert Waltenberger - Online Merker

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  • "The acclaimed Ilay Bal Arslan, with her bald head and long red robe, makes Mary the center of the evening. She is proud, devoted, and confident."

    “Die umjubelte Ilay Bal Arslan, mit Glatze und langer roter Robe, macht aus Maria das Zentrum des Abends. Sie ist stolz, hingebungsvoll, souverän.”

    — Reinhard J. Brembeck - Süddeutsche Zeitung

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  • "The only female role, that of Mary Magdalene, was played with chaste sensuality and sung impressively by Ilay Bal Arslan."

    “Die einzige weibliche Partie, die der Maria Magdalena, wurde von Ilay Bal Arslan mit keuscher Sinnlichkeit gespielt und beeindruckend gesungen.”

    — Ingrid Wanja - Der OpernFreund

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  • "Ilay Bal Arslan, as a bald Mary Magdalene wrapped in a shiny red suit, contributed the softest and most moving moments with his songs, especially the lullaby and the intimate scene with Jesus."

    “Ilay Bal Arslan, como una María Magdalena calva envuelta en un traje rojo brillante, aportó los momentos más suaves y conmovedores con sus canciones, especialmente la nana y la escena íntima con Jesús.”

    — Bernd Hoppe - Scherzo

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  • “Mary Magdalene (Ilay Bal Arslan) is captivating in her unwavering loyalty and love for Jesus; her bright mezzo-soprano is heart-rending.”

    “Maria Magdalena (Ilay Bal Arslan) ist hinreißend in ihrer unbeirrbaren Treue und Liebe zu Jesus, ihr heller Mezzosopran ist zum Steinerweichen.”

    — Gerhild Heyder - Die Tagespost

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  • "...he remains curiously aloof, blind to Mary Magdalene’s devotion, portrayed by Ilay Bal Arslan, who is bald and ascetic in a stylish Valentino-red long gown, and is the most endearing figure delivering the production’s most poignant singing: a Magdalene who laments with purity of tone, though her sorrow is staged almost too literally."

    — Zenaida des Aubris - Opera Wire

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  • "Ilay Bal Arslan, in particular, as Mary Magdalene, whose relationship with Jesus is often neglected in many productions, is intensively explored here. Her songs, especially "I Don't Know How to Love Him," are presented with unexpected tenderness and passion in this production, and the chemistry between her and Jesus is electrifying."

    “Besonders Ilay Bal Arslan als Maria Magdalena, deren Beziehung zu Jesus in vielen Inszenierungen oft zu kurz kommt, wird hier intensiv beleuchtet. Ihre Lieder, vor allem "I Don’t Know How to Love Him", kommen in dieser Inszenierung mit einer ungeahnten Zartheit und Leidenschaft zur Geltung, und die Chemie zwischen ihr und Jesus ist elektrisierend.”

    — Ines Marquardt - Leidenschaft Musical

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  • "Always the most moving is Mary Magdalene, sung here by Ilay Bal Arslan, in a bright red dress and with a bald head like Verena Altenberger's Paramour in Salzburg."

    “Immer am bewegendsten ist Maria Magdalena, hier von Ilay Bal Arslan gesungen, in knallrotem Kleid und mit Glatze wie Verena Altenbergers Buhlschaft in Salzburg.”

    — Peter Zander - Morgen Post

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  • "Ilay Bal Arslan was also enchantingly beautiful as Mary Magdalene, bald in a flaming red dress, sighing "I Love Him So." The audience went wild."

    “Hinreißend schön auch Ilay Bal Arslan als Maria Magdalena, kahlköpfig im flammend roten Kleid seufzte sie „I Love Him So“. Hier tobte das Publikum.”

    — Martina Hafner - BZ Berlin

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Theater

Trained in method acting, physical theatre, and vocal performance, Ilay is a multidisciplinary performer with a deep passion for musical theatre and acting.

Her work also spans classical and contemporary theatre, with credits including Roberto Zucco by Bernard-Marie Koltès, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, and The Maids by Jean Genet. Most recently, she portrayed Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at Komische Oper Berlin.

Beyond performing, she has contributed to various productions as an assistant director, musical director, and vocal coach.

VITA

Voice Acting

Ilay has lent her voice to a range of iconic characters in popular productions, including films and series from Netflix, DreamWorks, and more. Her work spans a variety of genres, showcasing her versatility and bringing these beloved characters to life for Turkish audiences.

For Netflix

  • Over The Moon
    Chang'e – Originally voiced by Phillipa Soo

  • Vivo
    Marta – Originally voiced by Gloria Estefan

  • The Witcher: Blood Origin
    Elié – Originally voiced by Sophia Brown

  • Robin Robin
    Cat – Originally voiced by Gillian Anderson

  • Ada Twist
    Theme Song – Originally performed by Renée E. Goldsberry

  • Arlo the Alligator Boy
    Bertie – Originally voiced by Mary Lambert

  • I Heart Arlo
    Bertie – Originally voiced by Mary Lambert

  • Jingle Jangle
    Joanne – Originally voiced by Sharon Rose

Highlights

Ice Age: Collision Course

20th Century Fox

Brooke – Originally voiced by Jessie J

The Trolls Movie

Dreamworks Animation

Bridget – Originally voiced by Zooey Deschanel

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

The CW

Rebecca Bunch – Originally voiced by Rachel Bloom

RESUME

PRESS & REVIEWS