Probably not many of you know, I proudly am half Serbian! My mom is from Belgrade and she raised me speaking Serbian and visiting Belgrade every year for longer periods, breathing the atmosphere, the mood, the vibes that, to me, only Serbs and some Eastern European people have.
Belgrade itself, is quite specific and it is no secret, it is often love at first sight, for many people visiting from abroad.
There are some things in the way they, we, live, laugh, see life that is very unique.
And when I heard Nata on stage, with her jokes and subtle humour, I felt so involved.
Even if I was born in Italy and somebody would say my Serbian half is more a third or quarter or less, I found myself being subject of discrediting stereotypes and comments, usually addressed to women coming from Eastern European countries: especially if they are blonde and tall.
What Nata talked about on the Cabarazze stage, was her own specific truth but also mine.
Please enjoy this super amazing interview to talented Nata Vasilishina and get prepare to start asking yourself… is this a joke or…?!?!
WHO IS “LA NATA”?
My name is Natalia Vasilishina but I decided to use a pseudonym: mainly because Italians find it quite difficult to pronounce!
Secondly because, I am a professional photographer and if you google my name, you will probably bump into my production and I just wanted to avoid any confusion!
I’m a Russian from Moscow, and I’ve been living in Milan for 11 years now.
WHEN DID YOUR PASSION FOR STAND-UP COMEDY START?
I’ve always been in love with comedy. I would watch comedy shows and read satirical literature. I would often go to live performances of comedians in Russia: I watched my first show when I was only 7.
When I was about 12 I participated in an anecdote contest in Moscow and I remember spending all my Summer vacations preparing for it.
I think that, after that experience, there was no way back for me.
I never seriously thought of becoming a comedian until one day, four years ago, I met by chance, a famous Italian comedian. After a short conversation, he asked me if I was a comedian and suggested trying writing a monologue.
It took me two years to overcome the fear and write something in Italian.
I have enough material now for a whole show on my own, and I hope I will perform it as soon as possible.
I NOTICED THAT MANY PIECES FROM FEMALE COMEDIANS (COMPARED TO MALE PIECES) INVOLVE SELF-PERCEPTION AND SELF-IRONY FAVORING BODY-POSITIVITY. WHY DO YOU THINK IS THAT?
A comedian always jokes about something new, unusual for him or her.
Perhaps this is why many male comedians joke about going to the supermarket!
Self-perception through your own point of view is still something new, for a lot of women. I think that our themes are based on facts that we know: we (women) are used to the increased attention towards our body and the increased “guidelines” on how a “real” woman should look.
Men are less prone to this assessment. As a comedian, I would like to understand why the size of his penis does not matter, but the size of my boobs – does. So partly, it is also a defensive reaction, but at the same time, it is a way to show that I am perfectly aware of who I am.
And let me tell you: I’m more than ok with it.
The image shows Natalia walking and while she walks she glances quickly at the camera. She is a tall, blonde, white girl with long hair. She is wearing a short black dress and a denim jacket over her shoulders. The outfit is completed by a black hair-band, round metal earrings and red lipstick. In the background cobblestones street, some street vases with short bushes , car parked and the facade of a church.
Nata is on Zelig’s stage, in a pose and expression that say “Oh my God!” with the palm of her right hand resting on her forehead and the other on her side. She wears a short dress in a pearl gray silk effect, with rouches at breast height and a central closure with buttons. She completed her outfit with black tights and shoes to match her dress. Nata has loose blonde hair naturally styled over her shoulders.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR BODY AND WHAT ARE THE FASHION AND BEAUTY BRANDS THAT YOU FEEL ARE JUST MADE FOR YOU?
I’ve always had a problematic relationship with my body. I lost weight, got fat, tried to lose weight again and got back fat. Until last year I had the shape I’ve always wanted. Then I quit smoking, plus faced quarantine and everything returned to its starting point.
But it helped me to understand tha,t I can revise my relationship with food and sport, and now I’m on my way to a better version of myself, although I really love the old one!
I work in fashion and I love it. I like expensive brands (don’t forget that I’m Russian), but I don’t see anything wrong in dressing fast fashion. In the end, the most important thing is being able to develop your own powerful style.
I love shopping at & Other Stories, Missguided, Oh Polly, Zara or Mango for example and buy shoes and bags at Celine or Prada.
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT AND FASHION INDUSTRY?
It seems to me that, now, there is a lot of emphasis on individuality and I am totally for it. Therefore, I fully support this particular direction in the entertainment and fashion industry.
I see myself in a mission to fighting stereotypes.
They say that women are not funny; they say beautiful women are stupid; and they say that immigrants… well, better not to quote what they say for them, at all.
I am an example that all this is not true.
Because it’s all about personality.
And paying taxes regularly, like I do.
ANYTHING EXCITING COMING UP FOR XMAS?
In this situation, in which we all are unfortunately, I am not planning anything special.
For me, it would be already a blast to be able to go to Moscow and see my parents and friends, whom I have not seen for a year.
So, yeah, I have an exciting dream about this and hope that it comes true, soon.
FUTURE PLANS?
I do not set far-reaching tasks. During this forced pause, I would like to devote time to my YouTube channel and get prepared for my future “one woman show”.
Once I’m done with it, I’ll start planning about conquering the Universe.
In this photo, Nata is seated three quarters on a chair with a hilarious expression. Her gaze and her wide smile are turned upwards. She is wearing a short dress in dark green and small, black fishnet stockings. Her legs are crossed. Red lipstick and golden earrings complete her outfit. In the background, a gray street, shop windows and people walking from afar.
Learn more about Nata here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natavasilishina/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fastreligion
YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCBnicxRKjQ-A_1-iUyhirCg?sub_confirmation=1