Drag Kings on Tour
Directed by Sonia Slutsky
Canada, 2004, Beta SP, 80 minutes

Past Screening

SHOWTIMES:
MONDAY
JANUARY 31, 2005
9:30PM
Main Art Theatre, Royal Oak

Drag Kings On Tour

A wild documentary that charts the antics, dramas, and performances of six drag kings as they travel the States and Canada on their “Kingdom Come” tour.Six of the most accomplished drag kings in North America got together and ventured on a three-week U.S./Canada club tour in 2003. Following them on this raucous road trip in their cramped RV was filmmaker Sonia Slutsky. The result is a tremendously entertaining documentary which mixes scenes from their lively, often politically-charged burlesque performances with interviews and real personal and family dramas.

The film opens in New York City where the troupe kicks off their “Kingdom Come” tour performance before heading out to the big (Toronto) and small (Biloxi). The Kings are certainly a diverse group. There is Christopher Noel, a Toronto kin and Elvis impersonator who has a nine-year-old daughter from a previous marriage; the tall and muscular Ken Las Vegas from D.C.; big papa Luster from Columbus, Ohio; as well as Brooklynite Pat Riarch, Johnny Kat and the suave Carlos Las Vegas. The Kings play with and explore notions of gender, sexuality, and identity politics, always challenging traditional definitions of masculinity and femininity. Join them in their Priscilla, Queen of the Desert- like journey.

Playing with Drag Kings on Tour: Strap ‘Em Down

Directed by Ann P. Merideth
USA, 2002, video, 4 minutes
Drag King excitement for all!