Abfab

Local queens: Manila Von Teez has
grown to become a formidable performer on the Drag
Scene. Her list of Achievements vary from Pageantry
where she has won many titles, such as Miss Black
Pride, Miss Cape Town Pride, Miss Cape Peninsula
and Miss Loerie, to that as a performer, where she
has opened for Miss Gay Western Cape for five years,
opened for MCQP and for Derek Barry. Photo: Supplied

ABFAB DRAG: An evening of finery to start Artscape Women’s Arts Festival

The AbFab Drag show will grace the Artscape theatre’s stage this weekend showcasing some of the finest drag acts in Cape Town.

Abfab

Local queens: Manila Von Teez has
grown to become a formidable performer on the Drag
Scene. Her list of Achievements vary from Pageantry
where she has won many titles, such as Miss Black
Pride, Miss Cape Town Pride, Miss Cape Peninsula
and Miss Loerie, to that as a performer, where she
has opened for Miss Gay Western Cape for five years,
opened for MCQP and for Derek Barry. Photo: Supplied

Fine feathers preened, false eyelashes fluttering and sequins glittering, the fiercely feminine/masculine are gathering to celebrate the world of ‘lip-sync’, the Absolutely Fabulously Drag (AbFab) show takes centre stage for the third year running on 27 July at 8 pm.

The show starts directly after the CEO of Artscape, Marlene le Roux’s address to launch the Artscape Women’s Humanity Arts Festival running throughout August.

The deep and often traumatic struggles of the LGBTIQ+ community has for many years been suppressed and the cast delves into their own experiences and acceptance they have endured, whilst celebrating the art form.

AbFab
Promotional poster for the AbFab drag show taking place at the Artscape Theatre on 27 July 2019. Photo: Supplied

AbFab performers

Comics Choice Awards 2019 Life Time Achievement Award Winner, Soli Philander comperes the evening, bringing a sensational twist to the often unspoken words of what was considered a taboo topic for many years.

Abfab
Soli Philander is one of South Africa’s top and most versatile performers. This seasoned broadcaster is also an award-winning actor, television presenter, director, comedian, playwright, columnist and motivational speaker. Born and bred in Elsies River, Soli’s roots are firmly planted in the Cape. After matriculating from John Ramsay Secondary School in Bishop Lavis, he says he “fell into acting” after accompanying a friend to an audition. Since then he has performed around South Africa in all the key theatres. He has also performed internationally in Sweden, The Netherlands, America, the UK, Swaziland and Namibia. Photo: Supplied

Top class South African drag divas Vida Fantabisher, SA’s Got Talent 2016 runner-up Manila von Teez, as well as Kat Gilardi, Jayde Kay Johnson and Angel Lalamore of gay cabaret “3D” fame, will showcase their life experiences culminating in their now present-day glory.

Abfab
Kat Gilardi, Jayde Kay Johnson and Angel Lalamore are drag cabaret act 3D Photo: Bronwyn Lloyd

The dancers of Jazzart Company add additional pizazz and flamboyance through the amazing choreography of Nkosinathi Sangweni! Camillo Lombard maintains a strict tempo, while Basil Appollis stitches it all together and cracks the designer whip as Director. 

Tickets at R150 each, are available from Computicket or Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695. Discounts are available for students, seniors and block bookings. Visit www.artscape.co.za for more information.