Circus and its Others: Clown + Drag ^expired Free

What are the similarities in the work of drag performers and clowns, beyond bold makeup, bright colours, and character work? In recent years, there has been a growth of “drag clowns” who fuse together the two practices, perhaps primarily in performances in non-circus-specific venues. Part drag show, part scholarly inquiry, Circus and its Others: Clown + Drag will explore how artists and audiences can make meaning out of acts that combine clowning and drag – two art forms with specific histories. Following an opening clown-infused burlesque performance by Dolly Berlin, performer, scholar and dramaturg Dana Dugan will discuss the fertile creative ground where these performance practices meet and the drag clown’s potential for artistic disobedience.

Following a conversation with Dugan, artists Dainty Funk, Mx. Quest, and Lady Kunterpunt will each perform and join facilitator Russ Martin for an interview. They will then join Dugan and Martin for a panel discussion about the intersections of drag performance and clowning, exploring questions of queerness, race, influence, and artistic practice.

This event is a collaboration between the Circus and its Others international research project and Speakeasy TV's The Library Is Open digital event series.
For more information + bios of each of the participants head to https://www.circusanditsothers.org/clown-drag