My guy friends, my girlfriends, and especially their husbands or boyfriends are more of experts on RuPaul’s Drag Race than me. I just haven’t gotten on the right side of Netflix yet. And I can’t blame the guys too – the show is sensational, so, expectations for such entertainment are high, just as the high heels drag queens march the stage with. And, it’s a gift from heaven you can find yourself and your expectations celebrating a whole new world of drag culture in Vilnius too. Every month Balaganza brings not only blingy–glittery–shiny views to you but also mind-blowing performances by Lithuanian drag queens. Two of them, Alen Chico and Vanda Saiko, together with Vytaute Strumilaite are here to highlight the essential tips and tricks about drag culture for its lovers and beginners as well.
I guess Lithuania is still far away from knowing drag culture by heart. Is the culture recognized already or should we prepare ourselves for the real volcanos of reactions in the future?
Vytaute: Drag culture is only taking the first steps here in Lithuania. The first drag event was organized only a year ago, so it‘s a long way to go. But the festival was proof that people are interested in it.
Vanda Saiko: Yes, the culture is growing fast. A year ago, only a few Lithuanians knew that the drag queen exists. Now, there is a series of events. People organize private drag events, so the message is spreading faster than we could‘ve thought. There is real potential here.
“Many people still don‘t know the impact this art had on pop culture, and reactions are controversial – people either love it or hate it.”
Alen Chicco: Many people still don‘t know the impact this art had on pop culture, and reactions are controversial – people either love it or hate it. But Vilnius is lucky – Balaganza happens monthly, so people get to know the culture faster, not many cities have such shows.
Speaking about emotions and reactions, which ones are the most stereotypical? Any wish to change some of these?
Vanda Saiko: The one you would hear mostly is that drag is all about a man in woman‘s clothes fooling around on the stage. For me as a drag queen, it‘s so much more, it‘s a way to free yourself and spread the message hoping it will reach people‘s hearts. Every event is meaningful.
“Originally, drag means dress resembling a girl, but in time this formula evolved and it is now about creating a flamboyant character which is not always linked to gender.”
Vytaute: After we had started Balaganza, I heard many different opinions about what drag is. Older people mostly think drag performers are transvestites. Others say that if a man dresses as a woman, he wants to be one. Some believe that only men can be a drag. Originally, drag means dress resembling a girl, but in time this formula evolved, and it is now about creating a flamboyant character that is not always linked to gender. All the misinterpretations only show the lack of education about drag culture in Lithuania.
Alen Chicco: And so, we want to change, and we are changing all of these stereotypes. It’s art, it’s serious, and it has nothing to do with your gender, religion, mindset, or weight.
While introducing drag culture to Lithuanians, how big the Balaganza community became?
Vytaute: Balaganza started with a group of six queens, the bravest ones. There is now a strong and unbreakable four of Balaganza queens, performing at every event. But most importantly, our inbox always has new messages after the shows from people wishing to join our team and perform on the Balaganza stage. After the first shows, we already had a full line-up for the whole season. Every show has two guests, the new queens. Even Lithuanian queens living abroad after Balaganza started were so excited that they decided to make performances back in their home country.
And how does a typical show-day of a drag queen look like?
Alen Chicco: It all starts with a long, very long depilation. Then clothes, props, and spending at least a few hours in front of a mirror creating make-up. Queen is then ready to rehearse.
“After the hair challenge is done, the time for applying 8 layers of tights comes”
Vanda Saiko: It’s about waking up early and having a large breakfast. And a strong coffee also. After the hair challenge is done, the time for applying eight layers of tights comes, also adjusting foam rubber for the silhouette, corset, dress, and wig.
All the hard work and preparation are never left unnoticed. Who is your non/typical fan?
Vytaute: It‘s easy to notice a true Balaganza fan because of his looks – outfits, sometimes even a costume, make-up, and glitter. The fantasy of Balaganza fan floats freely, escaping daily black jeans – white shirt mode. Freedom, love, creativity, comfort, and the sense that one belongs here makes that person come back.
Alen Chicco: It’s the only show of this kind in Vilnius, so a real fan always wants to come back for an experience of theatre, musical, fashion, and good music. People come to spend time with friends here.
“Girls often bring their boyfriends to the show. And there was never a case of a guy not falling for Balaganza.”
Vanda Saiko: A true fan always books a table, lol. Girls often bring their boyfriends to the show. And there was never a case of a guy not falling for Balaganza.
There are still those stereotypical critics, believing Balagnza is a devil‘s work. What would you like to wish them?
Vytaute: Turn off these stereotypes and visit Balaganza – that particular mood of the show and euphoria is here for you. C‘mon!
“We are just like you: people who have feelings, who love, and want to be understood, even if our character might look odd.”
Vanda Saiko: Just come and have a glass of wine and an honest chat with us. We are just like you: people who have feelings, who love, and want to be understood, even if our character might look odd.
Alen Chicco: For starters, learn to love yourself.
