SATIRE IS MY
ONLY ATTITUDE
VERA VAN ZELM
- COMEDIAN -
Vera van Zelm is a Dutch cabaret performer, writer, actor, and comedian. Starting out as a stand-up comedian, she is now known for Dutch programmes such as Plakshot, Het Klokhuis, Chantal & Tina (Videoland), Spijkers met Koppen, and the platform De Speld. A few weeks ago, Vera made an impact with her statement about institutional sexism following
the NPO report.
POM AMSTERDAM had a chat with her to discuss her vision about humour, the power of clothing on stage, and her experiences in the comedy world.
SATIRE IS MY
ONLY ATTITUDE
VERA VAN ZELM
- COMEDIAN -
Vera van Zelm is a Dutch cabaret performer, writer, actor, and comedian. Starting out as a stand-up comedian, she is now known for Dutch programmes such as Plakshot, Het Klokhuis, Chantal & Tina (Videoland), Spijkers met Koppen, and the platform De Speld. A few weeks ago, Vera made an impact with her statement about institutional sexism following
the NPO report.
POM AMSTERDAM had a chat with her to discuss her vision about humour, the power of clothing on stage, and her experiences in the comedy world.
SATIRE IS MY
ONLY ATTITUDE
VERA VAN ZELM
- COMEDIAN -
Vera van Zelm is a Dutch cabaret performer, writer, actor, and comedian. Starting out as a stand-up comedian, she is now known for Dutch programmes such as Plakshot, Het Klokhuis, Chantal & Tina (Videoland), Spijkers met Koppen, and the platform De Speld. A few weeks ago, Vera made an impact with her statement about institutional sexism following
the NPO report.
POM AMSTERDAM had a chat with her to discuss her vision about humour, the power of clothing on stage, and her experiences in the comedy world.
INTRODUCTION
From stand-up to sketch comedy
You are a comedian, actor, writer, and tv host. You started out as a stand-up comedian and have since become known for Dutch shows like Plakshot, Chantal & Tina (Videoland), and Spijkers met Koppen. Want to know more?
One of my first performances was an audition for the Culture Comedy Award. It was a festival featuring comedians from the Netherlands and Belgium. I even made it to the final, which led me to suddenly embark on a finalist tour through the Netherlands and Belgium. Looking back, it all happened quite fast. With only a handful of prior performances , I found myself facing large audiences and needing to quickly create new material. I also spent a few years at Comedytrain. At one point, I reached a dead end. I lost sight of what I wanted to create myself and tried to navigate my way in the comedy world. It felt like a lonely struggle.
I discovered at Spijkers met Koppen that sketch work suits me well. In the mornings, you refine your own written scenes together, which I find to be a great combination. Sometimes working with others, sometimes working alone. That's how I also set up platform the Pin together with Martine Bakker. A satirical online magazine, born from De Speld. Comedy and humour are ways for me to look at the world; that's why I can use them in various ways.
your style
Between absurd & realistic
How would you describe your
artistic style?
PREJUDICE
WOMEN IN COMEDY
Just like the stereotype that women can't play football, there's also the prejudice that women aren't funny. Women in comedy and cabaret still have limited opportunities on stage.
I would like to refer to my statement on the radio show Spijkers met Koppen about the institutional sexism at the Dutch Public Broadcasting, NPO, and linking it to my own experiences in the comedy world.
'I thought it was my fault and that I had to adapt. Since this week, I know that I'm not an exception, but one of many,' says Vera van Zelm about the report on misconduct at the NPO."
*Source: Spijkers met Koppen
"I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT AND THAT I HAD TO ADAPT. SINCE THIS WEEK, I KNOW THAT I'M NOT AN EXCEPTION, BUT ONE OF MANY."
TOP AFRIQUE
€69
PANTS WIDE LEG...
€139
BLAZER PINK GLOW
€199
INTRODUCTION
From stand-up to sketch comedy
You are a comedian, actor, writer, and tv host. You started out as a stand-up comedian and have since become known for Dutch shows like Plakshot, Chantal & Tina (Videoland), and Spijkers met Koppen. Want to know more?
One of my first performances was an audition for the Culture Comedy Award. It was a festival featuring comedians from the Netherlands and Belgium. I even made it to the final, which led me to suddenly embark on a finalist tour through the Netherlands and Belgium. Looking back, it all happened quite fast. With only a handful of prior performances , I found myself facing large audiences and needing to quickly create new material. I also spent a few years at Comedytrain. At one point, I reached a dead end. I lost sight of what I wanted to create myself and tried to navigate my way in the comedy world. It felt like a lonely struggle.
I discovered at Spijkers met Koppen that sketch work suits me well. In the mornings, you refine your own written scenes together, which I find to be a great combination.
Sometimes working with others, sometimes working alone. That's how I also set up platform the Pin together with Martine Bakker. A satirical online magazine, born from De Speld. Comedy and humour are ways for me to look at the world; that's why I can use them in various ways.
INTRODUCTION
From stand-up to sketch comedy
You are a comedian, actor, writer, and tv host. You started out as a stand-up comedian and have since become known for Dutch shows like Plakshot, Chantal & Tina (Videoland), and Spijkers met Koppen. Want to know more?
I discovered at Spijkers met Koppen that sketch work suits me well. In the mornings, you refine your own written scenes together, which I find to be a great combination. Sometimes working with others, sometimes working alone. That's how I also set up platform the Pin together with Martine Bakker. A satirical online magazine, born from De Speld. Comedy and humour are ways for me to look at the world; that's why I can use them in various ways.
POWERFUL STATEMENT
VIRAL
What were your reactions to your statement about misconduct at the NPO?
I would like to refer to my statement: I can say that it felt like the right time to do this. I'm also overwhelmed by all the reactions. People from various backgrounds came forward, expressing their recognition, which also made me quite sad. But there were also people who responded saying that they understood what I meant. I find that comforting, but I'm not naive enough to believe that everything has suddenly changed. However, apparently now the timing is finally right to be able to say this. So that is hopeful.
THE POWER OF CLOTHES
ON STAGE
What clothing empowers you when
playing a role?
In a role like in Plakshot, clothing plays a crucial role. People judge you based on your attire and form expectations accordingly, so, there's definitely scope for experimentation with that. On stage, you want people to have confidence in you, that you can carry the role. But I've never found the ultimate outfit that achieves that. Unfortunately! Haha. Maybe it also has to do with yourself, wearing something you like. At least, wearing what reflects how you want to be.
YOUR STYLE
Between absurd and realistic
How would you describe your
artistic style?
I'm a huge fan of Kristen Wiig, an American comedy actress. But as a child, I was also a fan of Jim Carrey, Jiskefet, and the Vliegende Panters. In my own work, I also like to add a kind of extra 'honest layer'. I often make references to myself, spirit of the times, or the news. A sort of realistic undertone. I have a profound fondness for the absurd, but I also switch to the realistic. So, I keep switching between characters and telling an honest story. I think that desire for both characterizes me. I would find it a shame to only have one or the other.
YOUR STYLE
Between absurd
and realistic
How would you describe your
artistic style?
I'm a huge fan of Kristen Wiig, an American comedy actress. But as a child, I was also a fan of Jim Carrey, Jiskefet, and the Vliegende Panters. In my own work, I also like to add a kind of extra 'honest layer'. I often make references to myself, spirit of the times, or the news. A sort of realistic undertone. I have a profound fondness for the absurd, but I also switch to the realistic. So, I keep switching between characters and telling an honest story. I think that desire for both characterizes me. I would find it a shame to only have one or the other.
Prejudice
WOMEN IN COMEDY
Just like the stereotype that women can't play football, there's also the prejudice that women aren't funny. Women in comedy and cabaret still have limited opportunities on stage.
I would like to refer to my statement on the radio show Spijkers met Koppen about the institutional sexism at the Dutch Public Broadcasting, NPO, and linking it to my own experiences in the comedy world.
'I thought it was my fault and that I had to adapt. Since this week, I know that I'm not an exception, but one of many,' says Vera van Zelm about the report on misconduct at the NPO."
*Source: Spijkers met Koppen
Prejudice
WOMEN IN COMEDY
Just like the stereotype that women can't play football, there's also the prejudice that women aren't funny. Women in comedy and cabaret still have limited opportunities on stage.
I would like to refer to my statement on the radio show Spijkers met Koppen about the institutional sexism at the Dutch Public Broadcasting, NPO, and linking it to my own experiences in the comedy world.
'I thought it was my fault and that I had to adapt. Since this week, I know that I'm not an exception, but one of many,' says Vera van Zelm about the report on misconduct at the NPO."
*Source: Spijkers met Koppen
"I thought it was my fault and that I had to adapt. Since this week, I know that I'm not an exception, but one of many."
SHOP THE LOOK
"I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT AND THAT I HAD TO ADAPT. SINCE THIS WEEK, I KNOW THAT I'M NOT AN EXCEPTION, BUT ONE OF MANY."
SHOP TE LOOK
BLAZER PINK GLOW
€199
TOP AFRIQUE
€69
PANTS WIDE LEG PINK GLOW
€139
POWERFUL STATEMENT
VIRAL
What were your reactions to your statement about misconduct at the NPO?
I would like to refer to my statement: I can say that it felt like the right time to do this. I'm also overwhelmed by all the reactions. People from various backgrounds came forward, expressing their recognition, which also made me quite sad. But there were also people who responded saying that they understood what I meant. I find that comforting, but I'm not naive enough to believe that everything has suddenly changed. However, apparently now the timing is finally right to be able to say this. So that is hopeful.
THE POWER OF CLOTHES
ON STAGE
What clothing empowers you
when playing a role?
In a role like in Plakshot, clothing plays a crucial role. People judge you based on your attire and form expectations accordingly, so, there's definitely scope for experimentation with that. On stage, you want people to have confidence in you, that you can carry the role. But I've never found the ultimate outfit that achieves that. Unfortunately! Haha. Maybe it also has to do with yourself, wearing something you like. At least, wearing what reflects how you want to be.
POWERFUL STATEMENT
VIRAL
What were your reactions to your statement about misconduct at the NPO?
I would like to refer to my statement: I can say that it felt like the right time to do this. I'm also overwhelmed by all the reactions. People from various backgrounds came forward, expressing their recognition, which also made me quite sad. But there were also people who responded saying that they understood what I meant. I find that comforting, but I'm not naive enough to believe that everything has suddenly changed. However, apparently now the timing is finally right to be able to say this. So that is hopeful.
THE POWER OF CLOTHES
ON STAGE
What clothing empowers you when playing a role?
In a role like in Plakshot, clothing plays a crucial role. People judge you based on your attire and form expectations accordingly, so, there's definitely scope for experimentation with that. On stage, you want people to have confidence in you, that you can carry the role. But I've never found the ultimate outfit that achieves that. Unfortunately! Haha. Maybe it also has to do with yourself, wearing something you like. At least, wearing what reflects how you want to be.
"ON STAGE, YOU GENERALLY WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOU THAT YOU CAN CARRY THE SHOW. BUT I'VE NEVER FOUND THE ULTIMATE OUTFIT THAT ACHIEVES THAT."
SOCIETAL ROLE
TO CONNECT
What does polarization of the political debate mean to
you as a comedian and writer?
"On stage, you generally want people to have confidence in you that you can carry the show. But I've never found the ultimate outfit that achieves that."
SOCIETAL ROLE
TO CONNECT
What does polarization of the political debate mean to
you as a comedian and writer?
I've always wanted to connect. Even when performing, I want the audience to share the same experience. I've always had empathy for the other side and like to bring nuance. But truly nuanced comedy is difficult. That's not where the humor lies. However, I always try to show human fallibility; the person behind the facade. For example, that everyone tries to appear more fun than they actually are.
"ON STAGE, YOU GENERALLY WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOU THAT YOU CAN CARRY THE SHOW. BUT I'VE NEVER FOUND THE ULTIMATE OUTFIT THAT ACHIEVES THAT."
Finally, a few more questions:
What advice would you give to young women who want to become comedians?
Well, I think the journey is different for everyone. So yeah, just start. And if you don't really want it very badly and also enjoy other things, then I would definitely choose something else. Haha. Sorry, not very hopeful.
Finally, a few more questions:
Finally, a few more questions:
What advice would you give to young women who want to become comedians?
Well, I think the journey is different for everyone. So yeah, just start. And if you don't really want it very badly and also enjoy other things, then I would definitely choose something else. Haha. Sorry, not very hopeful.