Eclectic entertainment at eBar
Queer Cabaret was just one of many events planned to celebrate Guelph Pride Week 2013. On May 10, eBar featured a night of queer performances, ranging from burlesque dancers, drag queens and kings, performance poets and musicians. The event was presented by Guelph Spoken Word.
The night kicked off with a question: what is the definition of “queer?” For the night, queer was synonymous with “fabulous, spectacular, wonderful.” An open call for participants lead to a dizzying array of sixteen performers; each presenting something unique to the Guelph queer community.
“I just really felt that it just was a good, eclectic representation of Queerdom. I just felt it had to exist in Guelph Pride. And there wasn’t anything like it, and there hadn’t been anything like it, as long as I’ve known of Guelph pride,” said Truth Is… from Guelph Spoken Word.
The night was entertaining, illuminating and thought-provoking. It included the exuberance (not to mention abundance of glitter and sequins) that one would expect from a cabaret show, as drag queens Miss Drew and Sheena Beena strutted their stuff on stage.
Burlesque performer Lillith Lemons performed a striptease, showcasing and embracing the power of female sexuality and self-expression. Ruby Moon, a classically trained dancer, also performed an elegant burlesque routine with oversized white feathers. Another drag performer, Avan Hart, took to the stage in sparkly garb that matched the disco ball hanging from the ceiling.
There were also moments that encouraged introspective reflection. The audience quieted down to hear some poetry by Tess Martens, one of many poets who shared their writing, which brought a personal touch. Next up, Vance performed a monologue taken from “MENding,” the “male” counterpart to Vagina Monologues. Vance spoke candidly about family dynamics, relationships and life transitions, exploring the complexities of determining one’s gender identity and the struggle to find acceptance in both the self and others. Slam poet and event organizer Truth Is… shared poetry as well, among many other poets and performers.
The event concluded with a surprise visit and performance from the recently crowned Mr. and Mrs. Guelph Pride.
There are “most definitely” plans to have a show like this again at next year’s pride week, said Truth Is… “The audience today kind-of shows that it’s something people want to support and they want to have as part of their queer lives, and non-queer lives, because there were people there who wouldn’t identify that way. So it was just a great show, period.”