What does it take to be a real drag queen? Though women have ruled as role models for generations of queens, drag is still known as the ultimate boys’ club. Fauxnique and Faux Real turn the clubhouse upside down. Not only does Fauxnique lip-synch for her life, but she also, sings dances and offers some philosophical musings on artifice and authenticity. Faux Real revels in the tension between the glamour of performance and the intimacy of presence.
Be ready for high heel stunts, hero(ine) worship, remembrance of gay prom dates past & fervid femme feminism.
Praise for Faux Real:
‘…her revelatory and inspirational show Faux Real deploys Trannyshack-schooled drag, pro athlete caliber dance, and first-person dialogue to mine diamond truths about the relationship between women and gay men. It’s on a par with the 1990 film version of Sandra Bernhard’s Without You I’m Nothing.’ – Johnny Ray Huston, SF Bay Guardian
‘artfully grapples with glamour, artifice, ballet…’ – Time Out London
‘amazingly skillful performance’ – Leah Garchik, SF Chronicle
‘campy, intellectual juxtaposition of pop culture and high art’ – Evan James, San Francisco Magazine
- Premiere: Climate Theater, San Francisco 2009
- Performance: Fauxnique
- Creation, writing & choreography: Monique Jenkinson
- Costume: Monique Jenkinson, Mr. David, Shanti Markstrom, Gregory Nelson
- Direction: Ellen Sebastian Chang & Kevin Clarke
- Assistance: Brian Knecht, Kegan Marling, Mica Sigourney
- Video Documentation: RAPT Productions