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"Life's a Drag" drag show is anything but
Drag Queens and Kings worked the runway
1:00 pm Mar 14 - by Elizabeth Lardizabal – buzz Writer
"Life's A Drag" was everything a drag show should be: energetic, entertaining, and raunchy — really raunchy. The best part, however, was that the crowd couldn't get enough of it.
The Illini Union Board held it's drag show, "Life's A Drag," at the Illini Union Thursday night, March 12. Six performers, five drag queens and one drag king, worked the runway as audience members interacted with the show.
Audience members walked toward the stage, handing performers money while they treated them to high-energy dance routines, all too real lip synching, and, of course, the occasional lapdance.
"I really liked the [drag queens'] clothes and the splits they've been doing," said Birce Onal, an audience member from St. Louis.
That's right, the splits. From time to time, the drag queens would display their gymnastic skills and do front flips, landing in the
splits. The live dj and pounding music compelled audience members to dance along with Beyonce and Britney remixes, while technicolor lights gave the Illini Union ballrooms a club atmosphere.
But the show wasn't put on solely for its entertainment value. The main goal of the drag show was to, "bring light to the drag community and LGBT community overall," said Mariam Rizk, director of Progressive Programs. It's made to get rid of any negative stereotypes, she said.
Drag queen professional, Marcus Wilder, also known as "Ceduxion," said the show also serves as an escape from life's difficulties.
"Times are hard financially. People need to be able to laugh, scream," he said. "They need some sort of escapism, whether it's class, homework, or how're gonna pay your next bill."
Freshman, Chris Bulaon, also said that the show served as a cultural awakening.
"Anyone who's looking for a good time or wanting to be more open to gender sexualities and orientations," he said," should definitely come to the next show."
Maybe that someone is you.
Sound Off
Last post: Mar. 17, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Leiloni Stars (unregistered user) said on Mar. 17, 2009 at 6:37 pm:
As one of the performers in the show, I have to give a huge thank you to Miriam, the University of Illinois and to all the audience members who came to support us. This was my first time at this show in many years... and I am so glad I was asked to be a part of it.
It is great to see that people are opening their eyes to differences and enjoying what they see. Not only is this an escape for the audience members, but for us as performers. And we couldn't have asked for a more responsive and support audience.
I hope that this years display will encourage more people to come to the show next year. It really is worth the experience.
Thank you again, to all the performers who were in the show with me. Especially to Miss Kelasia Karmikal for allowing me this opportunity to be a part of this years show. And to everyone involved. We are so thankful for your help.
Lots of love,
Leiloni Stars
smiletoshine (unregistered user) said on Mar. 15, 2009 at 1:47 pm:
Thank you Mariam for putting together such an awesome event...please let me know when your next one shall be BRAVO.... we had soooooooooo much fun....