17.36°C In 2024, Colchester Fringe audiences voted The Real Black Swann Best International Show. This month, Les Kurkendaal Barrett is back at The Dragonfly Lounge with the story of William Dorsey Swann.
Born into slavery in the United States, Swann went on to call himself the “Queen of Drag”. At a time when drag was illegal, he organised secret drag balls in Washington, D.C. and is widely recognised as America’s first queer activist.
Performed by Barrett as a one-man show, The Real Black Swann brings together theatre, storytelling and history to introduce audiences to a man whose name has largely been left out of the conversation about LGBTQ+ rights. Rather than presenting a history lesson, the production tells Swann’s story through performance, humour and moments of reflection.
“I’d like people to know this is a true story that is both exciting and interesting that not many people know about,” Les said.
“The show is highly entertaining, but it has an important message about equality as well. Plus, William Dorsey Swann’s outfit is fabulous!”
The show has travelled internationally since its premiere and continues to find new audiences on the fringe circuit. Alongside performing it, Les is making a documentary about William Dorsey Swann, continuing his research into a life that deserves to be better known.
Following the show’s previous success in Colchester, Les will be hoping audiences once again discover a remarkable piece of history through live theatre.
The Real Black Swann: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen will be performed at The Dragonfly Lounge on Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th, Saturday 25th, and Sunday 26th July as part of the Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender.
Event Details
Venue: The Dragonfly Lounge, Foundation House, Long Wyre Street, Colchester
Thursday 23 July: 7pm
Friday 24 July: 7pm
Saturday 25 July: 4.30pm
Sunday 26 July: 6pm
Running time: 60 minutes
Age guidance: 14+
Tickets: £12
Please note the show contains strong language.
More information and tickets for The Real Black Swann: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen and the full Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender programme are available via the official festival website.
