Shall We Drag

"Shall We Drag" is a podcast interview recorded in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, capturing the voices of Colin McLean and Johnny Croskery as they discuss the vibrant world of drag performance across several decades, from the 1960s to the 1990s. Throughout the recording, the speakers share personal experiences and reflections on drag culture, elucidating the complexities and joys it brings to their lives.

The podcast opens with a vivid description of the extravagant and theatrical nature of drag, filled with sequins, feathers, and bold accessories. Drag is portrayed as a world of performance and escapism, where individuals embrace the opportunity to transform and entertain. The recording delves into the familial reactions to engaging in drag, revealing a spectrum of acceptance and understanding. The speakers highlight the evolving reactions of their families, from initial disbelief to eventual support, noting the financial benefits of drag performances as a persuasive factor for acceptance. The distinction between drag as a performance art and cross-dressing for personal enjoyment is clarified, emphasizing the celebration of performance and entertainment central to drag culture.

One of the interviewees recounts an early adoration for a glamorous neighbor, which sowed the seeds of fascination with the glitz and vibrancy associated with female allure. A poignant childhood memory is shared where the interviewee's affinity for glamorous attire clashed with societal expectations of gender-appropriate clothing. The podcast captures how drag had been a part of the performer's life since youth, leading to an eventual natural integration of drag into adulthood without contentious coming-out narratives.

The recording then navigates through the social reception of drag, comparing the contrast between its normalization within gay bars and the novelty and appreciation it garners in heterosexual spaces. The fulfillment and validation gained from public admiration is discussed, showcasing the importance of audience reception to the performers. However, the podcast also touches on the loneliness and isolation that can accompany drag, the exclusion from both heterosexual and homosexual romantic interests, and the existential uncertainties that may arise.

Discussion on the earlier era of drag in New Zealand reveals the resourcefulness required in the absence of readily available drag accessories, where both ingenuity and creativity were necessary for the craft. The speakers reminisce about handmade elements, from platform shoes to false eyelashes, exemplifying the ingenuity and DIY ethos prevalent in the drag community.

Through the medium of podcasting, the speakers share their insights on the transformative process of getting into character. They also express the practical difficulties and discomfort that come with drag attire, and the raw release experienced once the facade is withdrawn. The recording concludes with an impassioned plea to young people to embrace drag as a fulfilling alternative to escapism, rather than turning to drugs, and the affirming power of expressing oneself through drag.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Colin McLean Johnny Croskery

1960s, 1990s, aotearoa new zealand, colin mclean, drag, gay, johnny croskery, performance, polly filla, programme, theatre, wellington

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