“The time has come for [Canadian} drag performers to sashay into the spotlight”
America, Thailand, Chile, and – VERY SOON! – the UK all have Drag Race variations, of course. Now, add to that list Canada’s a Drag, a series of short documentaries that teamed up filmmakers from communities across Canada to profile local drag performers — both kings and queens. Check out the two fabulous seasons below, featuring 22 unique performers from 11 different Canadian cities. (Click on their names to watch the mini-docs!)
Says Peter Knegt, Canada’s a Drag producer:
It’s by no means an exhaustive list of the deserved drag superstars of the true North strong and fabulous. We could have easily found subjects for 100 episodes (though hopefully: give us time). But we do know it represents a worthy sampling of an art form that deserves as much of our national pride as any other. And if there’s any part of you that questions whether drag should be classified as art, then this series is more necessary than we thought.
As queens and kings in this country and around the world have been making clear since long before RuPaul’s Drag Race came around, drag is art at its most multidisciplinary level, often combining acting, dance, comedy, fashion design and hair and makeup design in one flawless package of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.
(via CBC)
Season 1:
Episode 1: Allysin Chaynes, Toronto
Allysin Chaynes, featured in the first Toronto episode of Canada’s a Drag. (CBC Arts)
Episode 2: Lourdes the Merry Virgin, Edmonton
Lourdes The Merry Virgin, featured on the Edmonton episode of Canada’s a Drag. (CBC Arts)
Episode 3: Berlin Stiller, Vancouver
Vancouver performer Berlin Stiller, featured in the third episode of Canada’s a Drag. (CBC Arts)
Episode 4: Gay Jesus, Toronto
Toronto performer Gay Jesus, featured in the fourth episode of Canada’s a Drag. (CBC Arts)
Episode 5: Prairie Sky, Winnipeg
Winnipeg performer Prairie Sky, featured in the fifth episode of Canada’s a Drag. (CBC Arts)
Episode 6: Guizo LaNuit, Montreal
Montreal performer Guizo LaNuit, featured in the sixth episode of Canada’s a Drag. (CBC Arts)
Episode 7: Elle Noir, Halifax
Halifax performer Elle Noir, featured in the seventh episode of Canada’s a Drag.
Episode 8: Tranie Tronic, Montreal
Montreal performer Tranie Tronic, featured in the eighth episode of Canada’s a Drag. (CBC Arts)
Episode 9: Sofonda Cox, Toronto
Toronto performer Sofonda Cox, featured in the ninth episode of Canada’s a Drag. (CBC Arts)