A Conversation with Lisa Natale on the Occasion of her Show "GRIT" at the Zephyr Theatre During the Hollywood Fringe Festival, by James Scarborough

“GRIT,” a one-woman show written and performed by Lisa Natale, explores resilience and personal transformation with courage and grit. Her narrative examines the complex interplay between her evolving relationship with her body and the broader societal narratives surrounding trauma and recovery. Through a skillful fusion of dance, music, and monologue, the show enacts the visceral realities of domestic violence and sexual trauma. In so doing, it maps a cathartic journey towards empowerment.

Natale’s performance is authentic and sincere. Each character she inhabits represents a facet of her struggle and eventual triumph. The use of multimedia elements further enriches the narrative. They provide a multi-sensory experience that underscores the intensity of her personal revelations.

The critical acclaim and audience reception of “GRIT” highlight its impact as not merely as theatre but as a vital societal commentary. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths while offering the potential for hope and perseverance. It serves as a catalyst for dialogue and introspection, urging a reconsideration of the stories we accept about survival and our capacity for renewal.

JS: Could you discuss the inspiration behind “GRIT”? How have your personal experiences shaped the narrative of the show?

LN: I’ve been talking, dreaming, and writing about performing a one-woman show since seeing John Leguizamo’s solo show, Freak in 1998. The desire to create my own material as an actress and a writer has driven me to bring “GRIT” to fruition. I’ve been writing in a diary since I was 10. Writing has always been a form of self-care and self-discovery and now my diaries are used as a device in my show. 

“GRIT” is inspired by my belief in empowerment and resilience. Through a willingness to put our stories out there, one can uplift and inspire others to embrace their own strength, courage, and authenticity in the face of adversity.

JS: The show addresses heavy themes like domestic violence, sexual trauma, and body image. What challenges did you face in presenting these themes with sensitivity and power on stage?

LN: So many challenges. I had to first deal with my own Shame, and I didn’t want to come across as a victim.  Also, how to bring levity to my story. Thank you to Jessica Lynn-Johnson, my director and developer, for expanding my creative vision of how to bring laughter on stage and opening my mind up to creating characters which I never envisioned my show would involve. The repartee between Shame and GRIT allows me to have fun on stage. Ultimately, timing is everything and releasing the fear of judgment about what others will think of me. 

JS: How do you utilize multimedia elements to enhance the storytelling? What role do they play in the audience’s understanding of the narrative?

LN: The photos and music I’ve chosen serve as a form of sensory engagement. I could describe what my Italian father from Brooklyn looks like but seeing him up on the screen- that’s vivid. I want to show the audience not just tell them. And it’s fun! 

JS: You portray multiple characters. How do you transition between these characters? What does each character represent in the broader context of your story?

LN: The majority of my character transitions rely on vocal changes and physical mannerisms. A few characters utilize props. Each character in the show symbolizes a facet of my journey and explores broader themes providing insights into my journey. Through these characters, the show explores universal human experiences of resilience, perseverance, and transformation.

JS: Having performed “GRIT” at other venues, how have different audiences responded to the show? Have their reactions influenced subsequent performances?

LN: It's fascinating to observe how different audiences respond to “GRIT” based on their unique backgrounds and connection with me. When I debuted the show in LA, the audience was largely friends who have known me for years. They were intimately familiar with my journey and the experiences that have shaped me, so there was a sense of comfort and familiarity in the room. They laughed. A lot. At all the right moments and in some that I didn’t perceive happening. It was magical. 

At the United Solo Festival in New York, where I live now, I could feel the support from the moment I stepped on stage, but the laughter was less pronounced, and both of those performances were dynamically different. Each performance serves as a learning opportunity, enabling me to continually refine and enhance the experience for both myself and the audience.

JS: Can you describe your collaboration with director Jessica Lynn Johnson? How has her vision and direction influenced the development of the show?

LN: Before working with Jessica, I had performed many individual stories on stage, but I struggled to see the bigger picture of my own story. Jessica helped me find clarity as to what the show was about. Initially, I hadn't considered portraying multiple characters, but in “GRIT,” the incorporation of over 20 characters emerged naturally, greatly aiding the audience in visualizing the narrative.

JS: Throughout your journey with “GRIT”, how have you evolved as an artist and an individual?

LN:  As an artist, I initially doubted my ability to portray a diverse range of characters. I felt pressured to mimic my father's Brooklyn accent perfectly, as well as embody my mother's essence authentically. I realize now that it's not about achieving exact replicas. 

Individually, the experience has been transformative and cathartic, lifting the weight of Shame off of my shoulders. The response from audiences has shown me that my journey is not just personal—it resonates with others on a deeper level, highlighting the power of shared experiences.

JS: What do you hope your audience takes away from the show? Is there a particular message or feeling you want to invoke?

LN: I hope the audience leaves feeling inspired and empowered. “GRIT” aims to convey the message that resilience and self-acceptance are achievable, even in tough times. It's important for everyone, regardless of age, to realize that tough times are temporary. And that meaningful conversations and breaking down the barriers of Shame is imperative to living our most authentic lives. 

JS: What were some of the most significant artistic or technical challenges you faced during the production?

LN: Striking the right balance between heavy themes and incorporating moments of levity and humor was the biggest challenge I faced. It’s important to me that the storytelling remains authentic and impactful without overwhelming the audience with one intense story after another.

JS: Following “GRIT”, are there any new themes or projects you want to explore in your future work?

LN: I have a few ideas for future solo shows swimming around in my head. One concept I'm considering delves into the shifting significance of sexuality as we age. And I’ve always wanted to write a book so I have started writing, “GRIT,” the memoir. 

TAKEAWAYS

Lisa Natale's "GRIT" is deeply inspired by her own experiences and the desire to empower others. Drawing from her diaries and her journey of resilience, the show emphasizes the importance of embracing one's strength and authenticity in the face of adversity. Her personal narrative serves as a vehicle to inspire and uplift others through storytelling.

Addressing heavy themes like domestic violence, sexual trauma, and body image, Natale faced the challenge of presenting these issues with both sensitivity and power. With the help of director Jessica Lynn Johnson, she successfully integrated humor into the narrative, creating characters and moments of levity that allow the audience to engage with the material in a balanced and impactful way.

Natale enhances her storytelling by using multimedia elements such as photos and music to create a vivid sensory experience. Additionally, she portrays multiple characters through vocal changes, physical mannerisms, and props, each representing different facets of her journey. These elements help the audience to visualize and connect with the broader themes of resilience, perseverance, and transformation.

Performances are on Wednesday, June 26, 8:45 PM; Thursday, June 27, 6:45 PM; and Sunday, June 30, 1:45 PM. Tickets are $20. The Zephyr Theatre is located at 7456 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. 90046. For more information, click here.