Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Interview by Kaitlyn Clark

“Untitled, 1970”, a multimedia immersive theater piece, has reopened to eager audience
members ready to join this impressive international cast in the living room. That’s right – the
living room! This dualistic theatric play is presented in a Brooklyn apartment and incorporates
pre-cut film content, bringing the audience straight into their cinematic universe. Miss Katja
Minaev, playing the role of Cecelia, has shared what this process has been like and what she
has learned as an actress.

Katja is an Austrian-Russian actress with a deep passion for acting. This passion brought her to
New York City to study at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Theatre and Film, which she continues
as she works with such talented team members as Arantxa Ibarra and Styrmir Elí on “Untitled,
1970.”

Katja Minaev has an impressive résumé, having studied Entertainment Management in
Switzerland before returning home for a conservatory program at The School of Theatre in
Vienna. Following this, Ms. Minaev worked with Martin Kušej, the director of the National Theatre
of Austria, an experience she holds as one of her greatest achievements.

Immediately upon reading the script of “Untitled, 1970”, Katja knew that this project would be a
treat. The play combines improvisation with a scripted narrative, integrating live performances
with pre-produced segments that will be shown via television. The storyline follows Joey and
Tristan as they navigate the challenges and revelations that come with their new life in New
York City. Katja praises the show for the rawness and relatability that story writer, Styrmir Elí,
was able to portray.

As exciting as this groundbreaking project is, it presents some unique challenges to the cast by
blurring the lines between stage and screen. This isn’t something that frightened Katja, it was
something she says she found great inspiration in!

“I have learned that it can be very rewarding to get out of my comfort zone … and I’m so grateful
I got to do this with such an amazing team,” she shared in a recent exclusive interview. She
went on to praise her director, Arantxa Ibarra, for the strategic and meaningful support that she
provides.

Regarding the challenges of this project, she talked about changing her method of acting when
transitioning from camera work to stage-work. “I can’t act the way I did in the movie. [I have to]
be aware that there is an audience, I need to project my voice.”

On top of this change in acting methodology, the cast also had to adjust to a new
unconventional way of preparing and rehearsing. Katja tells us that filming took place out of the
story’s chronological order. When that was complete, the team started “filling in the gaps” with
their on-stage scenes. Although it might sound confusing, Katja tells us the process has been
inspiring, and seeing it all come together has been satisfying. “It feels like a big puzzle now,
merging the film scenes with the live scenes.”

Katja’s key takeaway from this project is the innovative energy that she and the entire team
have brought to set over the last few months. “I was so inspired by everybody’s work ethic, and
the strong need to tell this story in the most truthful and therefore beautiful way. This project is really
special.”

Looking forward, Katja Minaev is excited to be featured in the upcoming movie “Naked in the
Park”, and finish her degree this spring. Upon graduation, she is hopeful to continue working in
acting and maintaining her variety of hobbies such as piano, volleyball, and tennis.
“Untitled, 1970” promises to be a moving theatrical experience, pushing the boundaries of
traditional storytelling. With Katja Minaev on board, there is just one more layer of talent and
charisma present. Don’t hesitate to save yourself a seat in the living room this month!

Kaitlyn Clark is a freelance writer and Public Relations service provider with a variety of interests and passions. She has established expertise in non-profit fundraising and entertainment promotion. Since graduating from the Syracuse University Newhouse School, she is based in the New York City area and is available for freelance assignments.