|
|
Drag Kings Of The Queen City Of The South(The Gender Centre advise that this article may not be current and as such certain content, including but not limited to persons, contact details and dates may not apply. Where legal authority or medical related matters are cited, responsibility lies with the reader to obtain the most current relevant legal authority and/or medical publication.) The Opium Den, in Melbourne, is the venue for monthly drag king competitions. This remarkable run of events started in May 2000, when King Victoria's founder, Bumpy, aided by friend Tom Erge, decided to enliven Melbourne's queer scene by organising the competitions. On the first night they turned away more than 200 people and performances have been running continuously ever since, with more than 300 shows having been seen and without any shortage of new performers. A new performer at the Opium Den is Lenna Kawazu, who performs as both male and female, parodying male power and privilege, but also having a goat at females such as Britney Spears, calling herself Splitney Beers. King Victoria's performers are not exclusively drag kings. Drag queens also feature, including Winnie Royale and Nana Doris, a "horny and sleazy grandmother" type, performed by Jacq Tamlyn. Winnie Royale started as a dancer and confesses that she sometimes "pushes the envelope", even appearing black-face on one occasion. Bumpy feels there is sadness in the constant turnover of performers with many great performers who have moved on and no longer want to perform as drag kings. But, as Bumpy says, "More creative souls keep turning up!" It's been a bit strange to be the one constant person when almost everyone else comes and goes. "King Victoria" is celebrating its 7th Year as the premier Drag King's event in Melbourne. Beginning at Salon Kitty (Barry's) six years ago, it has now found a home at The Opium Den. The performances feature a fiery combination of comic and wit which will enthral onlookers. Entry $10 / $8 concession Polare is published in Australia by The Gender Centre Inc. which is funded by the Department of Community Services under the S.A.A.P. Program and supported by the N.S.W. Health Department through the AIDS and Infectious Diseases Branch. Polare provides a forum for discussion and debate on gender issues. Advertisers are advised that all advertising is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. Unsolicited contributions are welcome, though no guarantee is made by the Editor that they will be published, nor any discussion entered into. The editor reserves the right to edit such contributions without notification. Any submission which appears in Polare may be published on our internet site. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, The Gender Centre Inc.I, the Department of Community Services or the N.S.W. Department of Health. |
|
  |
||
