“It’s definitely not been easy bringing the show to Fringe, with lots of ups and downs and unforeseen circumstances on the way, but that only made the show better and myself stronger as an artist and producer.”
WHO: Natalya Samee
WHAT: “A Saturn Return is one’s astrological coming of age, propelling major life transformations. Think getting married or breaking up, finding your dream job or quitting. For Natalya? It was the demise of her seven-year relationship. Saturn forced her to learn life’s big lessons the hard way. She’s ready to talk – now that she can be funny about it. Join acclaimed performer Natalya Samee (Ars Nova, Brooklyn Comedy Collective) in her new comedy-turned-theatre one-woman show exploring love, loss and finding your life force among the cosmos.”
WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Beside (Venue 117)
WHEN: 16:50 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Not only is this my first Fringe, this is the first theater festival I have ever been to, let alone performed in! I’ve organized, produced, and attended my fair share of music festivals though, big and small, so learning the ropes from that has really helped inform the process for producing my own show.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Where to start? As both a person and artist, I’ve learned to let go and trust the process in moments when you put in your all and something doesn’t go as planned.
At the same time, as a producer, I’ve learned to take control in areas that I was less comfortable in before because of the skills and confidence I’ve gained making this show. For example, speaking up about how I want something to look and feel, proactive communication with collaborators, final say on an edit, and maximum transparency on everything from the get go to avoid letting anyone down.
Tell us about your show.
I am the writer, performer, and producer of my solo show, SATURN RETURN. I worked on this show for nine months in a comedic artist development program at an off-broadway theater in NYC called Ars Nova. Through Ars Nova, I met my Director, Arpita Mukherjee, who is highly accomplished in film, TV, and theater. I have learned an incredible amount from her. My show debuted two months ago to a sold out audience in New York, which felt incredible. Just proving to myself that I could do this was all I needed to know I could do this again and again in higher pressure situations with fewer resources. It’s definitely not been easy bringing the show to Fringe, with lots of ups and downs and unforeseen circumstances on the way, but that only made the show better and myself stronger as an artist and producer. After Fringe, we’re headed back to New York for another off-broadway performance – and who’s to say what’s next!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Go see WELCOME TO THE BIG SHOW at Summerhall, by Gara Lonning. He is a one of a kind, incredible, true artist (comedian, dancer, director, producer, writer) and one of my favorite collaborators. We have a podcast together (HE’S COPY – streaming everywhere) which can give you a taste of how dynamic and hilarious he is. Don’t miss it!
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