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[title]From auditions at Utilísima to Calle Corrientes, Fernanda Metilli has forged her own path, always with humor as her compass. An actress, comedian, and partner of Agustín “Soy Rada” Aristarán, she’s currently killing it in two productions: Las chicas de la culpa and Empieza con D, Siete Letras, directed by none other than Juan José Campanella. Known for her expressive, physical style, she talks about what she’s learned sharing the stage with other comedians, her wish to work in film or series, and how humor remains her favorite place in the world.
Don’t miss Juli Nahír Calvo’s interview with Fer Metilli on Glup!
When you started out in Tandil, doing auditions at Utilísima, did you imagine that one day you’d be starring in a play on Calle Corrientes directed by Juan José Campanella?
No, I never imagined it. Mostly because I always thought I wouldn’t make it—that I wouldn’t be able to make a living from acting alone. So everything was a surprise. That first audition at Utilísima was a good sign, like, “Hey, I think you are going to make it.” Also, I thought Campanella didn’t know me, not even my name—though I knew he’d seen me perform, because I remembered him coming to see shows I was in.
You’re in Las chicas de la culpa and Empieza con D, Siete Letras. What does a project need for you to say: “This is where I want to be”?
It’s got to have humor. Comedy, for sure. I don’t think I’d do pure drama in theater. Maybe in film, yes, absolutely. But in theater, I like making people laugh.
“In theater, I like making people laugh”
From your first steps in stand-up to today, with two successful plays running, what do you feel has changed or grown in your comedy style?
I think my own style has grown—more physical, more gestural. Even though the plays I’m doing now are very different—Las chicas de la culpa and a text-heavy play like Empieza con D, Siete Letras—in both, my way of doing humor comes through in the gestures and physicality.
In Las chicas de la culpa you’re on stage with some of the top women in comedy. What have you learned about doing humor with other women? What does this format give you that solo stand-up doesn’t?
Getting on stage with Malena Guinzburg, Connie Ballarini, and Natalia Carulias is the best. First, because we’re all so different, and we each learn a lot from one another. There’s this kind of feedback loop—what one doesn’t have, the other does—and it’s great when we see each other taking risks. I find that fascinating. You always learn, at least I do; I like to learn from every project I’m in and from everyone I work with. And with the girls, we’re friends, and we always try to keep that going—to learn from each other, or say, “Look where she took that,” and for me, that’s admirable.
Also read: What to See on Calle Corrientes
Right now, you’re at a great point in your career. Looking ahead, what artistic dream would you like to fulfill that’s still on your list?
I’d like to do film or streaming series—two formats I’ve never worked in.
Quickfire Round
To fully disconnect: The silence of the Tandil hills.
A foolproof couple’s plan: Agus and I love traveling anywhere.
A scene you dream of acting in: Something from La suerte está echada.
A woman who inspires you onstage or in life: My mom.
Pizza with beer or a barbecue with red wine? Pizza and beer.
A phrase that represents you today: Keep moving forward.
A place where you always feel at home: A convenience store.
A food that connects you with your childhood: Breaded beef cutlets with fries.
When and where: Empieza con D, Siete Letras runs Wednesday to Sunday at Teatro Politeama — tickets here. Las chicas de la culpa runs Tuesdays at Teatro El Nacional — tickets here.