For those looking to explore different facets of themselves through performance, Yorkton Pride has a new workshop that promises to open your mind. The Yorkton Drag Performance Workshop is an innovative new program allowing people who identify with any gender to embrace themselves through stage.
Mya Fantasy, who is conducting the workshops, explained the history.
鈥淒rag, we we call it now, actually has its roots in medieval times,鈥� she said.
鈥淗istorically, women were not allowed to play the parts of women. Even going to the 1500s, when Shakespeare鈥檚 plays were first being performed, the roles of women were actually played by boys. Acting was considered sinful and improper. Of course, now we know better 鈥� and we still get to have the fun of performance.鈥�
Adora Diamond, who also conducts the workshops with Mya, agreed. 聽聽 聽
鈥淭he power of drag is finding and celebrating power in femininity in a world that, traditionally, in the past has seen the concept of 鈥榝eminine鈥� as being 鈥榳eak鈥�.鈥�
You鈥檒l learn how to develop a performance, your character, how to pick your outfits, and, laughs Mya, 鈥淗ow to accessorize! We鈥檒l teach you how to deal with make-up...pretty much everything you鈥檝e ever wanted to know.鈥�
Laura Budd, who runs Yorkton Pride, points out that drag has a long and storied history, with an endless amount of opportunities for styles and looks.
鈥淭here鈥檚 all different styles of drag,鈥� said Budd. 鈥淭here are no rules, and there is no right or wrong. It is about strengthening feminine identity. That identity could take many forms; whatever means the most to you. You could develop yourself as an identity with your performance and look...or, it could be a character that allows you to more freely express yourself. We have an extremely culturally diverse community in Saskatchewan. We celebrate each other.鈥�
Drag performances have also raised tens of thousands of dollars for charitable causes through performances. 鈥淥ver $25 000,鈥� Laura beams.
If you鈥檇 like to try it yourself, contact Laura Budd at (306) 795-5044 or [email protected]. The workshop is held at the Yorkton Boys and Girls Club, located at 54c Smith St. West.
