"Selman begins reading a series of over forty letters, all addressed to Omer—a character who is 'both real and unreal.' Each letter starts with 'Dear Omer,' creating a mantra that underscores the performance's emotional weight."
"Omer becomes a kind of silent anchor for the performance, a blank canvas onto which these addresses are projected. He is portrayed as both a cowardly fellow and a distant ex-lover, reflecting Selman's complex relationship with him."
"The insistence on speaking to Omer, despite his silence, tips into provocation and bravado, highlighting the need for communication in the face of indifference and the struggles women face."
Selma Selman's performance, Letters to Omer, features over forty letters addressed to a character named Omer, who symbolizes wealth and indifference. The letters range from brief statements to longer reflections, creating a mantra-like repetition. Omer serves as a silent figure, embodying various interpretations, including cowardice and distance. Selman's work emphasizes the urgency of being heard, even in the absence of a response, and explores themes of personal and collective trauma through language rather than physical destruction.
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