D.R.A.G. is, at its core, a love letter to the wonderful creatures of Aotearoa’s queer nightlife.
20 years ago I was working in a gay bar in Wellington, performing as my alter ego 'Lady Trenyce' four nights a week. It was then from countless nights spent in Drag dressing rooms that I realised there was a show in this. Celebrating all the rawness, inhibition, and truth that lives behind the Drag curtain is a juicy and spicy world I wanted to explore.
When creating this work I drew from real lived experience, taking discussions, moments, and memories from the past, to shape a story that resonates in contemporary times. Working with the cast on developing the story has been such a gift, weaving in their points of view was a huge part of scripting, as I really wanted their own voices to be heard in the work.
This has been the greatest honour to create this final show for Silo's 2025 season, along with Sophie Roberts to mark the end of her season and time with the company.
I want to thank her and Silo for giving me the opportunity to share this vital work with the people of Tāmaki Makarau. It feels correct to be making an immersive experience in Q Loft after all these years as a designer. The last time I can remember the foyer being so integral was Pitchfork Disney – now, to be having my directing debut in the same space, again using the beautiful Loft windows as a backdrop, feels like a full-circle moment.
D.R.A.G more than ever is so important right now; our community is under threat in this political climate. Globally, there is a trend, and it's getting scary to say the least. Drag has and will always be a protest; not only does it entertain and inspire, it can also create change and ask questions. So please come along and see this big little show, she's full of heart, she’s gritty, she shows her teeth, but most of all, it is a celebration of these divine creatures who have the greatest tenacity and human spirit. You will LOVE them. Period.
- Written by Daniel Williams
