Solo exhibits could be a blessing and a curse; they are often a number of the most superb theater you’ve ever seen… or an overindulgent trainwreck. Comic Kate Berlant has in some way managed to seize the ineffable magic of each experiences together with her one-woman present “Kate,” directed by Bo Burnham and now enjoying on the Pasadena Playhouse after heralded runs in New York and London

Even earlier than the present, Berlant units the temper in order that the viewers feels prefer it’s attending an trade showcase of types. There are dramatic black-and-white photographs of her in varied poses lining the theater and her branding has taken over your entire house — simply try the “TICKATES” sales space.

The present finds Berlant enjoying “Herself” in a one-woman present — an actor and comedian telling the story of how she got here to be a performer. Within the present throughout the present, she additionally seems as varied character varieties that will probably be recognizable to any theater goer, and often breaks to return to “Herself” addressing the viewers. As in any solo present, Berlant particulars her triumphs and struggles — on this case, her incapability to emote on digicam and a shameful private secret she’s stored hidden from everybody.  

It would sound extra “Inception” than a laugh-out-loud comedy, but it surely all is smart to viewers members, whether or not they’re acquainted with Berlant or not. An actor with roles in movies like “Don’t Fear Darling” and “As soon as Upon a Time in Hollywood,” she lately landed an Emmy nomination for her A24/Peacock comedy particular “Would It Kill You To Snigger?” starring Berlant and her frequent collaborator John Early.

In that present, and in her stand-up, Berlant has toyed with the thought of persona and left many to surprise how a lot of her true self she’s placing on stage. “A standup is ostensibly instantly from the soul of an individual — I’m onstage telling it like it’s,” Berlant notes. “Nevertheless it’s additionally a play, it’s a efficiency. Even essentially the most beloved standups who’re talking from their expertise are nonetheless animating a personality.”

Berlant notes this discourse is “fraught territory for questions of id and reality.” It’s additionally an ongoing problem for Berlant, who says the closest she will get to being autobiographical is probably going on her podcast, “Poog With Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak.” The concept, she notes, “it to discover one’s genuine self although a persona — whereas additionally being humorous and attention-grabbing.”

You’ve in all probability sat by way of your share of one-person exhibits that weren’t nice. How a lot did that inform your writing?
I truthfully haven’t seen too many. However I’ve seen quite a lot of theater that’s simply form of unilaterally embarrassing. I imply, theater might be so transcendent and essential but additionally might be simply insufferable. And deeply, deeply painful. So I used to be positively desirous about that.

You in all probability know some individuals who have executed their very own solo exhibits; do they ever take offense?Fortunately, I haven’t had that have. In all probability as a result of the fabric is so particular to myself or this model of me I’m enjoying. I’ve had some good mates of mine say in a enjoyable and loving method, “Wow, this type of hurts.” However on the finish of the day, I actually do need it to be a love letter to theater.

You’ve performed this form of meta model of your self earlier than; do it’s important to differentiate between “Actual Kate” or “Present Kate”?
It was complicated. Once I was writing it, even I’d get misplaced. “The place am I? The place is she? Which Kate is that this?” However I feel that in the end helps, as there’s one thing slightly blurry in regards to the present. I’d positively get dizzy writing it. I must say, “OK, that is Kate. That is Kate performing within the present throughout the present. That is Kate outdoors the present.” However then it sort of all folds in on itself anyway.

While you’re doing stand-up, how a lot do you contemplate it a persona or an performing efficiency? Or is it actually its personal full separate factor?
I feel it was Molly Shannon, who I couldn’t admire extra, who described herself as a “dramatic comic.” And I cherished that. It used to trouble me when individuals referred to as my stand-up a personality as a result of I contemplate myself to be no much less a personality than anybody else doing stand-up. That is me. However, properly, it additionally isn’t me.

Whereas the present claims you’re enjoying “your self,” it is a robust efficiency for any actor. It hits so many feelings, is very bodily and requires quite a lot of you — it truly is a marathon.
Thanks — it truly is a problem and one I’m grateful for each night time. As a result of you may’t coast. Coming into this, I used to be excited bout the thought of writing one thing down and never simply hoping the magic will come out of skinny air. And although the present is written, it nonetheless will depend on these dwell parts that may go incorrect. And that’s what retains me engaged — and hopefully the viewers engaged. It truly is unfolding in actual time, and I’ve put myself on the spot.

What do you do on two-show days?
Strive to not die. These are robust, I gotta be sincere. There have been occasions between a matinee and night efficiency the place I feel it’s an excessive amount of and I can’t do it once more. However then I rise up there and I find it irresistible.

There’s viewers interplay within the present and as a standup, you clearly have some expertise with that. How do you deal with hecklers or when the interplay goes off the rails?
To be sincere, it doesn’t actually occur that a lot. I really feel like dwell hecklers form of died off; now individuals can break issues down in a while Tik Tok or social media. In particular person, there are individuals it’s important to shut down on occasion — but it surely’s actually few and much between.

Although the present is satirizing the enterprise, there are quite a lot of issues in it performers can actually relate to, together with a few of these unusual audition experiences. Have you ever made peace with the audition course of?
No, I’ve not made peace with it. (Laughs) It stays a really weird factor. I suppose like something, it will get simpler the extra you do it. However in my expertise, I’ve by no means gotten a job from an audition. The one job I can truly level to coming from an audition is “As soon as Upon a Time in Hollywood.” And since it was a dream come true, auditioning for a Quentin Tarantino film, I believed, “In fact I’m not going to get it.” After which I did.

Possibly an odd query, however the script for “Kate” is so good — would you ever be up for someone enjoying you? I might see this present touring the nation with completely different Kates.
That’s superb. I’ve not ever thought of that. However I’d like to see another person do it. That will be such a visit.

“Kate” is now enjoying on the Pasadena Playhouse by way of Feb. 11. For tickets and data, go to www.pasadenaplayhouse.org