A nurse, a cow, and a clown walk into a bar- or rather backstage at a SIM show (Studio for Interrelated Media) and organized chaos ensues. Beautiful creatures pull mannequin heads from trunks, taping various body parts in place, and applying coats of powder white makeup. Elsewhere, people are building sets, organizing chairs, and checking sound equipment, running against a rush of time that seems less forgiving than it is.

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Behind each local show made for the Massart community, there is a team of artists, organizers, and students exploring their craft, dipping their toes in various forms of performance. At this particular show, “Nebula” a more specific communal event was styled within an intergalactic and robotic form, curated by senior Tripp Fiala. Speaking with Tripp about his previous work, he described a series of shows that he curated. From the “All School Show” fashion walk, to “Rebirthday”, exploring community interactions between departments, students, and personal creators. “Gluttonous to display more work”, Tripp wanted to continue with a fashion show setup. After being setback with fewer artist submissions than expected, he decided to have members of the crowd join the walk, showing off costumes and looks of their own.

The goal was to shed apprehension and the exclusive nature sometimes associated with SIM. “Even though you should be locking in on your craft, you should be making connections, working with others. Collaboration in an artistic environment is so necessary, getting into your skin, warming up to craft, and focusing on performance rather than the concept” (Tripp) is necessary to exploring artistic identity.

The show’s hosts, artists and drag performers Mollie Guac and Vilette, are Massart’s versions of Elvira and Vampira. The pair teamed with STAMPEDE!, “an interdisciplinary collective of contemporary artists based in Boston.” (“Nebula Program”). The show had several debuts, as well as seasoned veterans of drag and showmanship. Each was equally hyped, quipped at, and encouraged with matched fervor. Digital backdrops enhanced the visuals and the stage. 

In a context of a shrinking space for queer voices, a whole demographic of talented innovators and performers is being diminished. Drag, in its nature, is expression, creative freedom, and experimentation. What does it mean if we lose those values within our community?