A drag performance collective based in Taiwan will premiere its adaptation of the Chinese classic “Journey to the West” at the upcoming 2022 Taipei Fringe Festival (TFF), reflecting the idea of transformation, its founder told CNA Monday.
“Journey to the Jest — A Pilgrimage in 72 transformations,” as the show is called, introduces a drag twist to the classic tale and highlights an important link to the Monkey King’s ability to transform, said Drag Royals Taiwan founder and director Liting Tan (???), also known as Uncle Southside.
“For me the core of drag is transformation, the ability to become whoever you want to be and so the link there is important,” Tan said.
The 45-minute show, performed in Mandarin with English subtitles by a cast of five, follows the characters Monkey, Pigsy and their Master Monk Tri Fecta on a journey to the west in search of holy texts, according to a Drag Royals Taiwan statement.
On their way, they meet Fleur de la Mont and Trunko Humongo, who are lusting for a taste of the monk, whose flesh is said to bring immortality, Drag Royals Taiwan said.
Faced with imminent death, Monkey and Pigsy risk it all to save their Master while finding the time to fall in love — but not quite with each other — and lip-sync for their lives, Drag Royals Taiwan said.
“We are retelling the story of ‘Journey to the West’ using drag, lip-sync, and popular music. It’s going to be a crazy ride from start to finish,” Tan said.
“Journey to the Jest — A Pilgrimage in 72 Transformations” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 at Venue (??). The show is designed for audiences aged 18 and above, according to the TFF.
Drag Royals Taiwan is a collective of drag performers based in Taiwan who seek to promote drag as an art form. The collective believes that gender exploration and expression is fun and for everyone, and hopes to bring drag to a wider audience through performance, research and experimentation.
Held under the theme “Spicin’ nonstop,” the 2022 TFF will run from Aug. 20 until Sept. 4, with 112 groups and artists presenting 486 shows at 30 different venues and spaces across Taiwan’s capital city Taipei, according to the festival organizers the Taipei Performing Arts Center.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel