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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 DECEMBER 2022 5 THEATRE Spazju Kreattiv's newest theatre commission celebrates the art of drag KWIJNS is the newest produc- tion taking over the intimate theatre space at Spazju Kreat- tiv this December. It's not a panto and it took two years to hit the ground running and we can assure you that this show will make you appreciate what it takes to be a drag artist in today's world. Penned by Si- mon Bartolo and directed by Ray Calleja this production will be a celebration of an art form and the many facets behind drag. Audrey Rose Mizzi caught up with Ray Calleja to discuss KWIJNS. What were your initial thoughts when Spazju Kreattiv approached you to take on this project? OK! Are you sure you want to take this on?! How very daring, exciting and HELL YEAH! Let's do this! Finally, someone is tak- ing the long-awaited plunge to produce a Drag Show in Malta by individuals who adore this art form. What would you like the impact to be on the audience who might attend the show? Do you think that this project would start the conversation on the art of drag, and in so doing also act as a form of empowerment of the LGBTIQ+ community? The impact, I guess, will need to be addressed once the audi- ence sees the show, but obvi- ously I would like them to be wowed, moved, and standing on their seats. It is a fact that Ru Paul has rev- olutionised the art of drag and brought it to the attention of the world through their competitive TV production. Ru Paul's Drag Race has not only given oppor- tunities and created drag super- stars; it has also started a chain reaction around the world. This art form has now come to the forefront globally. Audiences have the opportunity to appreci- ate why and how this is a proper art form and everyone is talking about it, including Malta. It has elevated the art form and set the bar to an unprecedented high. Even more than this, it has cre- ated a Drag-Winian revolution of thought within the LGBTIQ+ communities themselves. This evolution is fast paced, ongo- ing and constantly challenges misconceptions and thought processes. Most important- ly drag artists themselves are leading this same revo-evo(lu- tion). After all, the humanity, the heartache, the failures, and the successes whilst following your passion and still having the ability to entertain is somewhat ingrained within the LGBTIQ+ community. Experiencing it em- powers us all as humans. Although drag in Malta has a long history, most recently there seems to be an increase of interest in it also due to the in- ternational shows promoting it. In such context, what would this show mean for the drag com- munity in Malta and how would you like for this show to influ- ence aspiring drag performers? We have a lot to catch up on and audiences will be expecting a top-notch performance. Spaz- ju Kreattiv has taken up a huge challenge in this respect. To- gether with the artists, creative team, backstage and all other re- lated departments we now need to deliver the goods. The project is also a huge responsibility to- wards the community. Within its development we are striving to create ownership. Once all this is in place, we will be able to motivate others, move people and interest aspiring artists. We are working towards this vision with specific goals and mile- stones to reach. Speaking of misconceptions, performing in drag in Malta is oftentimes associated with pantomimes most famously with the use of a male actor dressed as a dame. How do you think that this show will shake up this mindset, and bring various drag perform- ers and their talents into the spotlight? Historically this was not al- ways the case in Malta. The infamous Strada Stretta in its heyday had various local drag artists that were extremely suc- cessful. So did Balzunetta. In the 80/90's local drag artists also had a huge following in fami- ly-oriented venues. The Panto- mime was introduced in Malta following the successful British Christmas tradition. The two are totally different in their art forms. However, the associated misconception still exists. Being a panto dame requires differ- ent skills to being a drag artist. It is also gender specific. Drag is much more elaborate and is associated with it being a career. Historically however both com- monly carried a huge unfair stig- ma. Actors and drag artists had to be burdened with labels of emasculation. Probably this was even worse when actors were off the boards and when drag art- ists were not performing. They had to carry the stigma socially although they were still success stories as performers. We have come a long way from this thought process. Today drag artists come from all gen- der identities. The mindset has, is and will continue to be shaken up. This is what makes it super exciting. With each new drag artist, we discover new avenues of drag. We discover more col- ours within our own humanity. Everyone's! In this variety show, there is a mix of both seasoned and new aspiring drag performers. How do you think this mix of tal- ented performers will inform your process as producer and director to lead the show? The process is evolutionary even for us as producers. We owe it to the art form to mix the seasoned with the new. We owe it to the process to be in- clusive and give ownership. We owe it to the artists to be free of any pre-conception. We owe it to the audience to provide the best. It is such an exciting and intriguing world where everything is possible and hu- mility, open-mindedness and true dedication is key. Lastly, this interview will be the first time the public will hear about this project. What is your message to someone who might still be undecided about attending? What are YOU waiting for?! KWIJNS will be premiering on Friday 16th December running until the 30th of December on select dates. Do something differ- ent this Christmas and celebrate all things drag with us at Spazju Kreattiv. More information on www.kreattivita.org.