Turkish Actress Brings Intensity of 'HardLove' to L.A. Stage

Miray Beşli Çapa discusses adapting the dark comedy for American audiences and the chemistry with her co-star.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:26am

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An extreme close-up photograph of two hands intertwined in a passionate embrace, shot with dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to create a sense of raw, intimate glamour, conceptually representing the intense physical and emotional connection at the heart of the play 'HardLove'.The intense, physical connection between the two lead characters in 'HardLove' is a central focus of the play's provocative exploration of intimacy.Los Angeles Today

Miray Beşli Çapa, a Turkish actress working in both Istanbul and New York City, is bringing her acclaimed performance in the dark comedy play 'HardLove' to Los Angeles. The play, originally written in Turkish by Anıl Can Beydilli, explores themes of intimacy, power, and connection through the volatile relationship between two characters. Çapa adapted the play for American audiences and has performed it in New York and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, earning rave reviews. She discusses the universal appeal of the story, her co-star Chandler Stephenson, and how the play has resonated across generations and genders.

Why it matters

HardLove represents a unique cross-cultural theatrical exchange, bringing a acclaimed Turkish play to American audiences. The dark comedy explores timeless themes of love and relationships in an intense, provocative way that has captivated diverse crowds, proving the universality of great storytelling. Çapa's journey to adapt and star in the production showcases the power of international artistic collaboration.

The details

Çapa first saw the Turkish version of HardLove in Istanbul and was immediately drawn to the dark, sexy comedy. She believed American audiences would also connect with the depth and layers of the story. Çapa connected with her friend Seyhan Musaoğlu, who is the graphic designer and line producer, as well as Jee Duman, the chair of Actors Studio Drama School, to adapt the play for an English-language production. The play has now been performed 33 times, including runs at Soho Playhouse in New York City and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, before arriving in Los Angeles.

  • HardLove premiered in New York City in May 2025.
  • The production then traveled to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the summer of 2025.
  • A second New York run took place in November and December 2025.
  • The Los Angeles engagement is running from April 8-18, 2026.

The players

Miray Beşli Çapa

The lead actress in HardLove, who also adapted the original Turkish play for American audiences. Çapa is an actress working in both Istanbul and New York City.

Chandler Stephenson

Çapa's co-star in HardLove, cast by the production's director Jee Duman.

Anıl Can Beydilli

The brilliant Turkish playwright who originally wrote HardLove.

Jee Duman

The director of HardLove and chair of the Actors Studio Drama School, where Çapa is a graduate.

Seyhan Musaoğlu

Çapa's friend who is the graphic designer and line producer for the HardLove production.

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What they’re saying

“When I watched it, it hooked me from start to finish. I was fully present and engaged in the story the whole time. I was laughing so hard and I could relate to the whole story. It was a unique, different night out between a man and a woman. I loved it.”

— Miray Beşli Çapa, Lead Actress

“An older woman came to me in New York and said, 'Those were the days! I went back to my younger ages with you. Wow. Loved this.'”

— Miray Beşli Çapa, Lead Actress

What’s next

The production of HardLove will continue its Los Angeles run from April 8-18, 2026, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 7PM.

The takeaway

HardLove has proven to be a powerful, cross-cultural theatrical experience that resonates with diverse audiences. Çapa's passion for bringing this intense, provocative play to American stages showcases the universal appeal of great storytelling and the ability of the arts to bridge divides.