Yuliya Mayarchuk, who arrived from Ukraine in the early 1990s, has made Naples her home and Italian cinema her stage. A well-known face for series such as La porta rossa, Il commissario Montalbano and Mare fuori, she is now in the theater with Pornoprecarie by Maria Bolignano: the story of three mature women who, with no money or future, turn their apartment into a set for OnlyFans. Desperate but not resigned – the three protagonists played by Bolignano, Nunzia Schiano and Yuliya – embark on this improvised adventure. Of course, nothing goes as planned: unpreparedness, embarrassment and the need to hide everything from the neighbors create hilarious situations. Between former porn stars, kitschy social characters, and artificial intelligence, they discover that women’s empowerment comes neither from selling photos nor from repression, but from a delicate balance in a world that too often wants women to be functional to a male vision. Pornoprecarie is a smart comedy that makes you laugh and think-a tribute to female strength and the ability to stand up. And Yuliya, with her elegance, is perfect to narrate this journey of fragility, courage, and redemption.
Yulia, your artistic journey is full of films, dramas and now you come to the theater among the performers in the play Pornoprecarie. What kind of adventure is this?
It is an extraordinary theatrical adventure! It is an atypical show, full of irony and topicality, performed by very talented actors. The comic pace is relentless and requires considerable concentration while performing. The jokes follow one another at a dizzying speed, with numerous entrances and exits, as well as dynamic movements (my character, in particular, is very athletic). This mix of energy and comedy makes the show very engaging.
It is a show written directed by Maria Bolignano and produced by Rino Pinto’s FAN. How did you build your character?
Rino Pinto, our producer, is a person full of enthusiasm, and his infectious energy reflects on all of us. I have known Maria Boligignano for many years and consider her to be a woman of extraordinary comic and creative talent. I was really happy when Maria contacted me to participate in this show. Maria was able to integrate my personal characteristics into the character of Katerina, making her a yoga teacher, just as I am in real life. It was exciting to see how my passion for yoga could enrich her story!
The play brings to the stage a topic that is perhaps still taboo but is highly topical, that of the commodification of the body through the world of the web: what do you think is at the root of this?
Yes, it is a very particular theme, but it holds a profound message. It discusses women’s empowerment and job insecurity that affects women in particular, especially those who are over. The world of the web represents an evolution of these topics and, more importantly, offers a space of freedom to discuss them. Tackling taboo subjects in a light and entertaining way allows raising awareness and engaging a wider audience, promoting reflection on the challenges and achievements of women in contemporary society.
If you had to tell about your role within the play, how would you describe it?
I really enjoy playing a role that is so different from me in real life. This is the beauty of theater: living characters who are over the top and have a sparkling identity. At the same time, my character Katerina’s innocence and simplicity make me appreciate her world even more. It is a unique experience that allows me to explore facets of myself that I would not normally have the opportunity to express.
How does the audience respond to the staging of the play?
Audiences greeted us with great enthusiasm and numerous rounds of applause. In some theaters we received thunderous applause, while in others there were unexpected moments of contagious laughter. It is fascinating to observe how each audience reacts differently depending on the venue. Overall, we are filled with gratitude for the warm reception and packed theaters.
