India’s art forms are plenty –– from the most intricate folk paintings to enthralling performative arts, we certainly do not lack a flair for all things artful. Despite this, art forms are usually identified based on what is acceptable by society. Drag, a performance art that has everything to do with identity, expression and creation is rarely celebrated.
The second edition of Hyderabad Drag Con, Hyderabad Drag Fest by Dragvanti is bringing conversations around gender and sexuality and performances to the city. As part of the organising team, Patruni Sastry says, “We would be celebrating drag with more glam glitter and as a collective. In the event, we want to highlight the drag space and how diversity can be presented with the work of art.”
Eminent drag personalities including Cologne Doll, Odissas first Drag Queen Khemaya, Hyderabad’s first Drag Queens SAS and Nutty Savitri, the first Telegu Drag King Mr.J, Smiitinn, Anisha Naidu, and the first Indian drag Twins Shanya and Shamna will be present at the event that is set to be full of glamour and glitz. Supported by Hyderabad-based NGOs, Mobbera Foundation and Firefly Community, the Hyderabad Drag Fest is also partnering with two education-based organisations, Queer Education and Social Queer.
The Drag Fest is set to put on some brilliant showcases –– from comedy to theatre, classical dance to a live drag band, and so much more.
The Hyderabad Drag Fest, as exciting as the event will certainly be, is about a larger aim of acceptance and celebration of the art that lies at the intersection of performance, gender, and sexuality. It brings together people that care less about what society deems ‘wrong’ and more about what helps them root their identity, whether that be through community building or performance arts, and we’re here for it all!
Where: WeWork, Kondapur Main Road, Laxmi Cyber City, Whitefields, Kondapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
When: 15 May 2022, 5 PM onwards
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