NBAF 2013
ENTERTAINERS Q&A
THEATRE OF ESCAPADES
You have a healthy roster of acts; which is your favourite to perform? I think Nana's Jam is the most fun. Who wouldn't love a couple of grannies getting loose, rapping, dancing and all before the vicar at the local village fete!? Te act appeals to all kinds of people young and old. We love our grandmothers, they’ve been an inspiration and both of them love the act!
Which act, would you say, has been best received by the audience previously? What's been your best reaction? Again, it’s got to be Nana's Jam. Te best audience reaction must have been at Spiegeltent as part of NNFestival last year - oh how they cheered! Oh how we beamed! It’s different performing in installations and walkabout characters in that you don't really get applause and people tend not to recognise you afterwards (I love it the most, mischievous escapades in disguise!
How do you think the acts will go down at Norwich Body Art Festival? I'm looking forward to performing for the NBAF crowd. I think both our acts will go down a treat. I love festivals and festival crowds; our acts work well in the
NATALYA UMANSKA PRESENTS environment.
You both studied performance at university, had you always known that theatre was what would wanted to do?
I think performing is just part of who we are. I performed a character called Alexis from the TV series Dynasty a lot, often in the mirror wearing my mum’s high heals as a child. I wanted to be an actor or a lifeguard when I was 6; I'm happy I made the right choice.
And finally, looking forward, are there any new acts that we can be looking out for from Te Teatres Of Escapades? We're really excited about our latest project. It’s a surprise birthday party for one of the Nana's. It’s an immersive event that will encompass theatre, cabaret, nightclub and festival. We will encourage audience participation with things like Dubstep musical statues, a 'rap-a-long', sherry reception on arrival to get you in the mood – ooh, not to mention the buffet. Te evening will be hosted by both Nanas; we're working with a few friends from the burlesque scene including the Hot Boppin' Girls and Festival Asylum will be providing the sound and DJs. It’s really exciting and should descend into complete madness! Te event will be held upstairs at Te Hog In Armour, Saturday 16th November. Tickets go on sale in September.
You can find out more about Te Teatre of Escapades on facebook/thetheatreofescapades or
www.theatreofescapades.co.uk
DR SKETCHY’S
Dr Sketchy’s is a worldwide phenomenon - how do you feel to be part of something so big? I feel so excited to be part of such a large scale
project.Despite our international status, Dr. Sketchy's feels like a huge family; it is always very inspiring to see what our colleagues get up to. New York have pulled off some really wild things. Tere was one show where the girls had been body painted to look like cows. Yup, they had udders. It was quite bonkers. Being part of such a large and imaginative community has refreshed my outlook on my work.
You’re a travelling superstar, having worked all over the UK as well as in Paris - but what place truly has your heart? I really enjoyed Paris and would love to spend more time there. Tey were so patient with my made up French. I also had an amazing time working in Italy a while ago. Sailing down the grand canal in Venice, by myself, at sunset whilst on a mad mission to find an artist based in the Jewish Quarter will always stick in my mind. However, I do have a particular fondness for Norwich. It's an intimate, friendly city, which is always nice to come home to.
Natalya, you're a woman of many talents - what is your favourite act to perform inside or outside of Dr Sketchy's?
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NORWICHBODYARTFESTIVAL.CO.UK
Last year saw the debut of my Chair of Pencils. Te concept of the chair seemed a bit more unique, and much lighter, than the bed of nails. It's primarily used for my act, Anyone for Gin and Mozart? I play the piano from it whilst a member of the audience fixes me a G&T!
What attracted you to the heady world of performance?
I have quite a big personality and performance has always been a good outlet for it. If I didn't do it I
would become really annoying at dinner parties and have to resort to shameful behaviour. Tis would, no doubt, involve dancing on tables and competing to see who can run the fastest down a hill after too many tequilas whilst wearing a dress made out of a bin liner. Some people would say I already do that. Don't listen to them. Tey are lying.
Finally, how do you feel about bringing Dr Sketchy's to NBAF, and what can the NBAF- goers expect? It is a real honour to be part of NBAF. I have performed for the festival on two previous occasions and always found it to be well organised and friendly. Dr. Sketchy's gives everyone a chance to
pick up a pencil. Whether you are an experienced artist or just someone that wants to give a try, we are not exclusive to anyone. For
those of you thinking, "My drawing would never be good enough to win a prize." just remember that even stick men can win prizes!
Hanna Huzel Steele
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