Think of a drag queen, really picture them in your mind. Now, let me guess: has the person you’re envisioning starred on RuPaul’s Drag Race ? Chances are, they have. These days, “drag queen” is synonymous with the popular reality TV franchise, which launched in 2009 and has since won 29 Emmy Awards.
But what does this mean for local drag queens, those who don’t have the time, funds or studio-approved polish to become a “Ru-girl”? Eclipse aims to broaden the definition of drag beyond what you see on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Credit: Justin McManus “I first learned about drag through Drag Race , so that’s a positive,” says Stone Motherless Cold, an Arrernte drag artist who performs in Melbourne. “But when you can name 10 Drag Race queens, but you can’t name 10 local queens, that’s a bit problematic.
The local scene desperately needs support, especially since COVID-19.” Cold, along with Meriam and Erub Kebi Le performer Cerulean, want to see this change. So about a year ago they began developing Eclipse , an immersive theatrical performance at this year’s Rising Festival that attempts to extend the boundaries of drag.
“People know drag as something you’d book for a hens night, or something you’d see on TV or in a club,” Cerulean says. “But we’re trying to explore where drag can go. What are the possibilities? Is what we’ve seen before all there is to it?” Loading Eclipse showcases the best elements of local, underground drag.
It’s expe.
