Behind Dat Face
Behind Dat Face
EVENT DETAILS:
- Saturday 9 July, 2022
- 6:30pm: Cabaret showcase in the theatre
- 7:30pm: Panel discussion in the lodge
TICKETS:
- $20 General Admission
- $15 Concession
Behind Dat Face explores the intersection of two worlds, as experienced by some of Australia’s finest First Nations Drag performers: the glorified “Glitz and Glam” of life on stage versus what happens after the make-up comes off. Experience the delights of cabaret, then join the cast for an intimate discussion as they unpack the ‘other side’ of life for some of Australia’s finest First Nations Drag performers.
ACT I: THE CABARET
Hosted by Canberra’s very own MadB, this fabulous line-up features Sydney’s Miss Josie and Chel Torres and Canberra’s Ashtray Moonais, this will be a cabaret show like no other! Oozing with naughtiness, comedy and plenty of razzle dazzle, Behind Dat Face will be an unforgettable night of entertainment celebrating some of Australia’s finest emerging talent.
ACT II: THE PANEL DISCUSSION
Behind Dat Face cabaret cast shed their drag persona for an intimate discussion exploring the intersection of these two worlds… Join the panel as they explore, what happens after the curtain closes, the lights go down, and the make-up comes off? Is visibility enough, or is there more work to be done? What does it mean to be queer in a First Nations cultural context? Facilitated by Don Christopher, the panel discussion will reveal ongoing challenges faced by members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ communities around gender, sexuality and identify.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Joseph Cardona / Josie Baker
Joseph Cardona aka Josie Baker is a Gurindji, Malak Malak performer born in Darwin. Josie first started drag in 2004. In 2017 she won the nationwide competition Miss First Nations. Josie has graced the stage and screen being in productions such as Chicago, Dreamgirls and is in Australian Films such as All About Eve, Spear and Black Divaz. Josie has performed at the world-famous Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London and on international stages in Greece and Bali.
Dewayne Huckle / Ashtray Moonais
Miss Ashtray Moonais a proud First Nations Queen. From tribes Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi, Ashtray is always helping her Community to Change.
Ashtray has performed at drag Cabaret, drag race, and has performed at different events different venues and events in Sydney and Canberra! She’s been involved in Mardi gras parades for many year and they love to perform!
Shawnah Cady / MadB
They’re non-binary and a multi-faceted performer and artist from creative arts and writing to Drag! With work featuring in numerous national festivals and shows including accomplishing a few firsts including Canberra’s first fully POC show ever and a contributing writer and performer in Lost in Transit! They’re a parental unit to four biological children and a many many many drag children! Whether they be drag or just gender diverse and seeking a mama figure to help along the way! Presenting Mama MadB!
Bana Hankin / Chel Torres
Bana is a Sydney-based artist performing as Chel Torres. Chel Torres has featured at Koori Gras, Queer Nu Werk – Performance Space, Queerbourhood The Bearded Tit, Heaps Gay, The Spellbound Show, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, First Nations Rainbow and The Oyster Club. Bana is a graduate of the Eora Centre for Visual and Performing Arts Theatre Performance Program. Since 2011, Bana has been doing cabaret style performance focussing on stage and movement through space. Some of his pieces include spoken word elements to enhance his stage performance.