2024-11-12 06:00:00
From Aachen to Vienna, in terms of mentality, that’s half a trip around the world: from the extreme west of the German-speaking area in the border triangle to Belgium and the Netherlands to the extreme east, so to speak – where, as Sonja Pikart soon realized, the famous Grant is at home. This mentality, says Pikart in an interview with STANDARD, “takes some getting used to, that people are angry with each other for no reason, but then find themselves in the Viennese insults anyway.” She now knows and likes it, 15 years after she came to Vienna to study acting, somehow ended up in cabaret and is now receiving the Austrian Cabaret Prize. An award that in 25 years of existence has only been awarded to a woman before Pikart, Andrea Handel in 2000.
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**Interview with Sonja Pikart on Her Journey in Cabaret and Winning the Austrian Cabaret Prize**
**Editor:** Sonja, congratulations on winning the Austrian Cabaret Prize! It’s remarkable to see you join the ranks of award-winning performers in a field that has seen very few women recognized in its history. How does it feel to break this gender barrier after 25 years?
**Sonja Pikart:** Thank you! It’s both an honor and a responsibility. When I first started, I often felt like I had to prove myself in a male-dominated space. Winning this award feels like a validation not just for me but for all women in cabaret and comedy who strive to make their voices heard.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your interview that the mentality in Vienna took some getting used to, especially in terms of humor and social interactions. What specific aspects of Viennese culture surprised you, and how have they influenced your work?
**Sonja Pikart:** The humor here is quite unique! People can engage in light-hearted insults that can seem harsh at first. However, it’s all in good fun and part of a larger camaraderie. I’ve learned to embrace this style, and it’s influenced my cabaret performances. I often weave in those cultural nuances, making them relatable to both locals and newcomers.
**Editor:** You noted that some people are “angry with each other for no reason.” How do you think this mindset affects the artistic community in Vienna, particularly in cabaret?
**Sonja Pikart:** It can create tension and competitiveness, which is certainly present in the cabaret scene. However, I believe it also fuels creativity. Artists often use their frustrations as material, turning them into satire and humor that resonates with the audience. That duality is what makes Viennese cabaret so rich and entertaining.
**Editor:** As a final thought, many readers might wonder how gender dynamics play out in the comedic world. What message do you hope your recognition sends to aspiring female artists who might be hesitant to enter this field?
**Sonja Pikart:** I want to tell them to embrace their voice and be brave. The industry can be challenging, but it’s changing. I hope to inspire women to pursue their passions in cabaret and comedy, showing them that they belong here just as much as anyone else.
**Editor’s Question for Readers:** Considering Sonja’s experiences and the ongoing challenges within the cabaret scene, do you believe that gender dynamics are shifting in the comedic arts? What can be done to further support gender equality in this industry? Let’s hear your thoughts!
