GAG’s CAPITAL DRAG REUNION
Fringe Bar, 26-32 Allen St, Te Aro, Wellington
18/02/2017 - 18/02/2017
NZ Fringe Festival 2017 [reviewing supported by WCC]
Production Details
GAG is a collective celebrating the resurgence of drag culture in Wellington. With a variety of drag performers covering multitudes of styles and aesthetics. GAG’s Capital Drag Reunion is here to celebrate the immense talent that last year’s Capital Drag had. With acts from some of the top drag artists in Wellington this night is not one to be missed.
Headed up by Jack Craving and Indy Pendant. GAG aims to show the world that drag isn’t just about a man in a wig but about how the art of drag can be used to express gender, identity, and self expression. We aim to create a safe place for new drag artists and non conforming individuals to express their true colours and enjoy themselves.
Capital Drag 2016 was a huge success with many show stopping numbers, breath taking looks, and showcasing the raw passion Wellington’s drag scene has. Hosted by Stephii Onassis the reigning Mx Capital Drag. GAG’s Capital Drag Reunion will be one of the pinnacle drag shows to see this year!
WHAT: GAG’s Capital Drag Reunion
WHEN: 8:30pm Saturday 18th Feb 2017
WHERE: The Fringe Bar 26 Allen Street, Wellington
TICKETS: $ 20 GA or $15 Fringe Addict
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gagcollective/
Theatre , Burlesque ,
Provocative parodies of femininity
Review by Margaret Austin 19th Feb 2017
“Drag can be a creative outlet, a means of self-exploration, or a way to make a cultural statement,” says Wikipedia. Traces of these three elements are present in last night’s performance by members of GAG Collective – billed as Wellington’s fiercest drag artists. What is most evident is a bunch of guys having an outrageously good time.
The glittery curtain at the Fringe Bar is a fitting introduction to the show. There’s plenty of glitter – on eyelids, lips, and costumes. A ‘stage kitten’ produces a sash and a fan to complement the MC’s gown. Performers vie for the most over the top outfits, as well as the most over the top acts.
There’s no place for modesty or understatement in a drag show. As an audience member, your sensibilities have to be shut down. If you can achieve this, you’re free to enjoy what you see. Otherwise, you can feel alienated by all that lip-synching, strutting, mincing, prancing, shrugging, and those hallmark pelvic gyrations.
Some of the seven acts involve stripping. The most effective removal this reviewer sees is that of a pair of sunglasses.
Most of the accompanying music is disco – the more relentless the better.
Discarded clothing and props are removed by stage kittens. Even the backstage workers are dressed to the nines.
As parodies of femininity, drag acts provoke at least smiles, sometimes murmurs of protest, and, as attested to by this show, shouts of encouragement and camaraderie.
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