Interviewed by Natalia Remmer, photos of Yakub Islamov Singer Yolka (stage name Elizabeth Ivantsiv - approx. Ed.) On the stage can be called extravagant and impressive, in life - playful and unbalanced. On March 25 and 26, one of the most popular Russian performers performed in Dubai, on the stage of the banquet hall of the world's most luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel. As part of the Russian Seasons project, which has been implemented by M Premiere for many years now, headed by with Evgeny Morozov. The concert was sponsored by the famous jewelry company "David Morris".
Behind the scenes, Yolka spoke about the perception of Arab culture, the romance of small towns and relations with the real world.
Lisa, please tell us how you spend your time in Dubai outside of your concert activity?
I honestly have very little time here. We walked around the Dubai Mall, the guys from the group went up to the Burj Khalifa tower, where, by the way, I was already. And at that time I watched the huge fish in the aquarium.
What are your impressions of local culture, clothes?
The Arab world is different. And here, of course, all the best is collected. I really like the traditional clothes that cause a lung in a European person. perplexity. I immediately want to cover my very face.
You yourself have not tried to put on Abaya?
No (laughs). This (wearing a hijab - approx. Ed.) Is of great respect. For example, I know that there are a huge number of women who only open their faces at home. I saw girls who even in the sea bathe in clothes to their toes. I can never understand this, just as these women may never be able to understand me.
Do you like big cities?
Each city has its own face and charm. I was born in a small city, but fell in love with Moscow with all my heart, because it is my city, which gave me so many different impressions and opportunities for implementation. Although there are a huge number of reasons why you can not love him. I am fascinated by New York because it is the capital of the world, not just America. And in a small town - everything is different. There you are immersed in jelly. Nobody is in a hurry there. Especially in Europe: they are always doing well and they don’t need anywhere. The most important thing for them is to have a good time and be sure to eat well (laughs). And, of course, it really impresses me.
Do you like Arabic food?
I have not tried Arabic dishes, maybe you can tell me which one is better? I don’t eat meat, so a lot of things pass me by. But I really love hummus. This is a kind of "food in tubes", as for astronauts.
How do you spend time on the road?
I used to be very afraid of flying. Now I feel calmer. Either read or watch a movie. Ideally, if you manage to sleep, but, unfortunately, this is extremely rare.
Do you often have to tour abroad?
Not that often. It happens.
Where is it better to take?
Identical people everywhere. I do not build illusions for myself, I sing for people who understand the Russian language. The word is very important. For example, I was surprised to see African-Americans at a concert in New York.
Maybe they are interested in jazz, which you also sing?
How do you say if I sing jazz ?! I like him. Hopefully someday I will really do it.
Is it possible to say that in Moscow, among your colleagues in the workshop, you have made real friends? Or have they remained from the past, from childhood and youth?
Firstly, there are never many true friends. People work in every area - both good and bad. And the artists are no different from ordinary people. Among them are decent and not very; deep and bottomless, in which you want to "plunge", in whom you see your soul mate. It does not depend on the type of activity. Therefore, of course, yes, among them there are people with whom I communicate with pleasure. And I’m never friends against someone.
Since you and I are of the same age, I cannot but ask an exciting question: do you feel the approach of a midlife crisis and the sensation of a reappraisal of values associated with it?
Yes, thirty. But my real crisis happened at 25, it was the most terrible age in my life: the world collapsed - I’m old, wrinkled, no one needs and will never be able to put on a T-shirt with Mickey Mouse. It seems to me that I will meet my 50th anniversary with a laugh. And 29 from 30 is no different for me. So that one morning I wake up enlightened and understand what I live for ?! This, of course, is not.
You saw recently in the new "Gentlemen of Fortune" in the role of yourself. Anything else you plan to play in the movie?
Played - loudly said! The filming took two days, and I was doing what I knew how to do perfectly - I grimaced on stage. I enjoyed it a lot. Serious role? Of course I would. But this should be taken seriously, because there are many people around with professional acting education. Therefore, I think, before I play something, I will first learn.
How do you feel about things?
I would like to relate to them even easier. There is a saying: "There are no former punks!". This is about me. Different things have happened in my life, but I'm not obsessed with brands, and still I do not have jewelry with diamonds. I don’t wear fur. I have enough pairs of shoes. Before I go somewhere, I choose a dress to fit into the surroundings of the event. It's great when there are five dry cleaning dresses in the wardrobe, and there are plenty to choose from. The scene requires you to change shoes and change clothes. It is beautiful. I like to be a beautiful and leggy singer.
