Katerina Gordeeva, the most prominent 21st-century journalist working in the Russian language, author and host of the YouTube show “Tell Gordeeva” («Скажи Гордеевой»), is unexpectedly stepping onto the stand-up stage. This time, it will be Katerina herself doing the storytelling — and it’s truly an unusual kind of stand-up.

 

First, it’s deeply personal. And second, incredibly funny stories sometimes end in inconsolable tears. At other times, heartbreaking stories conclude with the audience laughing like children — happily and carefree.

 

Katerina’s journalistic and human experience would be enough for dozens of books. Yet so far, writer Gordeeva has only found the time to publish two: “Time to Break the Ice” (co-authored with Chulpan Khamatova) and “Take Away My Sorrow.”

 

During her stand-up performance, Katerina reads one chapter from this recently released book, as well as a short excerpt from a new book she is currently finishing. At the end of the evening, audience members will have the opportunity to purchase a book, receive an autograph — and, of course, share a hug.

 

Katerina Gordeeva’s biography reflects the history of independent Russian journalism — first within Russia itself, and since 2015, beyond its borders.

 

Perhaps that is why she must repeatedly mention that in Russia she has been designated a “foreign agent.”