Chelsea Thacker, executive director of Rainbow Coalition, promises SA国际影视传媒渃opious amounts of glitterSA国际影视传媒� as Rainbow Cabaret takes the stage for Pride at the Top Knight this weekend.
With a packed roster of veterans and several first-time performers, the acts range from stripteases to satirical comedy routines. The weekendSA国际影视传媒檚 performances are slated to represent all bodies, all genders and all walks of life, according to RainbowSA国际影视传媒檚 CoalitionSA国际影视传媒檚 event announcement SA国际影视传媒� and that may include a few surprise for audience members.
Thacker noted one large group dance number is an early highlight of the performance, in addition to showstopping acts from some innovative soloists.
For newcomers, she said, SA国际影视传媒減repare to have your literal socks blown off. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 a really cool experience for someone to come to a show like this. And for someoneSA国际影视传媒檚 first experience to a come to show thatSA国际影视传媒檚 (2SLGBTQIA+), to support queer and trans people in our community, and performers.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a really different environment that I encourage everyone to experience if they can,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 really cool to see.SA国际影视传媒�
Thacker said the show also created an avenue for first time performers to express themselves and take creative risks in a safe environment. SA国际影视传媒淲e donSA国际影视传媒檛 have a lot of safe spaces for (2SLGBTQIA+) people to express themselves,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淏y having Rainbow Cabaret, we created one of those spaces.SA国际影视传媒�
ItSA国际影视传媒檚 fundraising aims to go a step further. All the proceeds of the event go back to the Rainbow Coalition, which advocates for queer and trans issues in Yellowknife, acts as a community support and operates the Rainbow Youth Centre. With performances at 9 p.m. on Friday, and 8 p.m. on Saturday, each ticket is $25.
This weekendSA国际影视传媒檚 selection will be the result of months of work. Thacker said preparation began in March, as the show began coordinating with other local Pride events to ensure community members wouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 be forced to miss the show to attend another event.
Meanwhile, as performers auditioned months ago with individual pieces showcasing their identities, they quickly grew to collaborate and take creative risks with their fellow performers, Thacker said. A lot of thatSA国际影视传媒檚 due to the environment they worked in.
SA国际影视传媒淲hat that allows for is not only a safe space for them SA国际影视传媒� to live their own different identities, but also to create performance art pieces in a space where they know theySA国际影视传媒檒l be treated with respect, be valued, and ultimately just feel super safe.SA国际影视传媒�
That freedom to take creative risks means performers will go beyond SA国际影视传媒渟tereotypes like overtly risqueSA国际影视传媒� performances, or being overladen with heavy themes, she said. Performers do, however, tend to include their identity into their work, though song choices and the movements of their bodies.
On that front, itSA国际影视传媒檚 similar to past burlesque shows, with a diverse collection of acts and community members. It creates a fluid experience of different artforms appearing alongside each other on the same stage. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 a rare opportunity for attendees: Usually, that range would result in separate shows, Thacker said.
For community members, attending performances like this helps them see SA国际影视传媒渢he different ways people can be allies and really show support for these performers who are bearing it all.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淧eople feel accepted and encouraged to get on stage and tell (their) truth,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
