If the Truth Isn’t Funny, Make it Up: An Interview with RuPaul’s Russian Contestant Katya
Art
Big dreams typically precede big mistakes along the way. Katya claims that malfunctions and live performances go hand in hand. “THAT’s drag,” she says. “That’s literally the definition of drag! Things go wrong. It’s the only thing you can count on. Drag is not ballet. It’s not perfect. It’s a lowbrow entertainment form where shit goes wrong—and if it doesn’t, it’s boring!” She recalls a time in Texas when her wig flew off during a sexy head-turn. Instead of losing it onstage, she snatched it out of the air and hilariously looked ahead at the cameraman filming her. In her new web series, titled Drag 101, one of the topics is improvisation. “That’s the mark of a good entertainer,” Katya says, “how you cope with mishaps and mistakes.”
That isn’t to say that there aren’t ever mistakes, and with mistakes come regrets. Katya brilliantly puts a spin on her regrets by confessing them on her web series, Rugrets, a show about regrets she has from RuPaul and life in general. Humor and good nature are prime characteristics of Katya’s, and after her spot on RuPaul, she learned many life lessons. “The first lesson is if the truth isn’t funny, make it up,” Katya says. On a serious note, she claims that the two greatest life lessons are more complicated than simply being yourself and not caring about what anyone else thinks. “Those [goals] aren’t really realistic,” she says. “It’s a balance of self-expression and learning how to filter the feedback and criticism from your audience—or people in general—and sifting through negativity to find useful chunks of knowledge that you can apply to make yourself better.” Katya mentions the need to detach from the ego in order to be successful. “I am my own worst enemy,” she says. “Nobody gives a shit about us as much as we do. Self-consciousness and inner fear is the root of a lot of our failings. When we’re so wrapped up in what we think people will think about us, we forget that people are usually just thinking of themselves—so it doesn’t really matter!”
There are many local drag performers in SLC and hundreds more around the country. Katya’s advice on becoming a queen like her? “Well, first and foremost, you better subscribe to my channel so you watch every episode of Drag 101!” she says, “and secondly—don’t do it! Stop! There are too many! Be an accountant! Get into the money market!” After a short burst of laughter from us both, she continues to say, “Take inspiration. Keep in mind that there are a million drags out there and you have to find a way to stand out. If there’s something that everybody doesn’t like about you, maybe that’s your key. Especially with makeup. Listen to the voice of your own face!”
Katya will perform in SLC this upcoming weekend on March 4 at Metro Bar alongside local performance group The Bad Kids Collective. The theme of the night is “Baba Yaga,” named after an old, terrifying, supernatural being in Russian folklore. Baba Yaga usually appears as a deformed woman standing on chicken legs. “I was born with chicken feet, so it hits close to home,” Katya says as she bursts into laughter. “I’m really excited for the Russian folklore theme. That’ll allow me to be a little self-indulgent, musically. If I had my way, I would only do Russian songs!” Audiences can expect a mixture of old, raspy folk music and “sexy Eurotrash pop.” Baba Yaga is known to help or hinder those who seek her aid—the question is: Which side of Baba Yaga will Katya bring to the stage? Check out the Facebook event and get your tickets—they’re going fast, and this isn’t a performance that you want to miss! SLC, prepare yourselves for the sexy, hilarious, and unique entity that is KATYA!