Theatre Makers: Drag, Performance & Activism explores different elements of drag, identity and how performers can amplify their drag voice to be a spokesperson for good causes. Performer Joseph Ballard leads the week-long in-residency. You might also know Joseph by his drag queen persona Titania Trust.
Titania Trust started off in 2010 and is a songstress and entertainer extraordinaire. Speaking on Norwich Theatre Talks – Norwich Theatre’s podcast – Joseph Ballard explained: “She was cooler back then, but now she is much more glam. She has evolved over time, and she is a big supporter of Pride and the LGBTQ+ and refugee work community. She is all about standing up for what is right.”
Drag came about because a community needed a voice, and to this day, drag performers are representing their community to tackle global and regional issues. Joseph explained: “Drag artists are often louder and much more colourful, so we can grab people’s attention. We have a lot to say, and we want people to hear it.”
The week will see a mixture of mentoring, group tasks and workshops. The group will start initially looking back through the rich history of drag. Joseph explained: “I will be going right back to the routes of drag from ancient Greek times through to the first world war going right forward to today.” As well as the history of drag activism, the group will explore topics including keeping drag relevant, drag as a political tool, the look and feel, and the real you behind the make-up.
Attendees will need to come with an idea for their chosen root of activism, from climate change to identity rights and education – it can be anything you feel passionate about. “Right now, it is important for drag artists to amplify the topical things that we are talking about. When you have a bigger voice and presence you can educate people much quicker. That is the superpower of our drag artists,” said Joseph. The participants will develop a short set or artistic response that can be informally shared with an invited audience at the end of the week.
All the Theatre Makers groups were created to bring together like-minded people so that everyone has a space to get together and feel they are a part of the community. “Theatre Makers, for me it, is about animating communities and engaging communities and sharing the theatre’s passion for the arts.”
Theatre Makers: Drag, Performance & Activism starts on the 18 Sep for one week with a sharing on 23 Sep.
Full episode of Norwich Theatre Talks coming soon, also starring Craig Revel Horwood.
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