THE REAL BLACK SWANN: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen

Show Information

In THE REAL BLACK SWANN: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen, acclaimed solo artist Les Kurkendaal-Barrett dives deep into the extraordinary life of William Dorsey Swann — a formerly enslaved man who became the first known drag performer and LGBTQ+ activist in the U.S. What begins as Les getting a text before he goes into surgery turns into a captivating journey across time. As Les learns more about Swann — who organized drag balls in Washington D.C. in the 1880s and fought for queer freedom decades before Stonewall — he begins to see reflections of his own life and the power of reclaiming lost stories. A funny, moving, and timely solo performance that weaves history, identity, and personal discovery, THE REAL BLACK SWANN will leave you inspired to reimagine the heroes of our past.

Est. Run Time: 80 minutes

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Open Space Arts - 1411 W Wilson, Chicago, IL 60640

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When would you like to attend this show?

Friday, Jul 18

7:30pm
$15

Saturday, Jul 19

7:30pm
$15

Sunday, Jul 20

6:00pm
$15

Friday, Jul 25

7:30pm
$15

Saturday, Jul 26

7:30pm
$15

Sunday, Jul 27

6:00pm
$15