QUEER: DRAG, DRUGS, AND A TICK TICK CLOCK

Queer: Drag, Drugs, and a Tick Tock Clock. The story takes you on a journey of self-discovery through the duality of human nature and evolution. Growing up in the barrios of Barranquilla, Colombia (South America) is not conducive for a queer person to thrive. The very few queer people Jair knew, lived in hiding and departed too early from this world. So, he tried to fit in, he tried to be like everyone else, he wanted to be an exemplary sample of society. But the truth always has a way of coming out.

Accepting the truth is harder than knowing it sometimes. As shame and guilt weighed down Jair’s anxious heart, he discovered drag and drugs. Drag and drugs freed him, allowing him a higher level of self-expression previously self-suppressed. But drag and drugs were only a temporary fix to a much deeper problem. During the 2020 quarantine, he sat in complete isolation, and his healing process began as the Tick Tock Clock of life waved its arms.

For many years, he lived in shameful self-confliction about his queer identity. This internal battle of self-love vs. self-hate is championed by an Angel and a Demon, the world’s most ancient adversaries. The demon’s voice inculcates fear and shame. While the angel is a breath of fresh air, who reminds Jair to live in the moment and embrace himself as a person who is worthy of love. Through their battle, he evolved, and this show was born.

AUDIENCE REVIEWS:

-- It was fascinating to hear Jair’s journey from a childhood in Colombia to drag clubs in Miami. I am a huge fan of the art form that is drag, and I enjoyed seeing his drag persona. But more importantly, it was moving to see his inner struggles, the conflict he felt between his true self and his religious convictions, and his ultimate self-acceptance.--   Jo Dellapina

--Even though it is not a funny story as it shows the repression by on LGBT people, there were moments that i really laughed. Wonderful play, it shows that some feelings are the same it doesn’t matter the country you are living in.--- Os Sayros Theater Company Brazil

-- I liked the pacing of the story…the projected video images of his alter ego drag persona Shakira as he was telling his story and his occasional characterization of his Devil/Angel. Overall a very intelligent and provocative telling of the story of a boy growing up in conflict with his sexuality, ethnicity, and religion and trying to find happiness in a world that puts you in a box. -- Matt Atkins

-- The performance was perfectly executed and expertly crafted. A master class in storytelling. Such a well-written and poetic piece of theater. It took me on a while journey of self-discovery sprinkled with laughter, tears, and hope.-- Jason Caceres

-- I counted about 18 different characters! That is amazing. I also really love the poetry of the piece! It was so beautiful and vulnerable. I laughed, I cried and so much of the piece resonated so deeply. The piece was very well written and insightful. It was powerful and the actor was natural and invested that you can’t help but melt into your seat and take the journey with them. Bravo and thank you for sharing your art and truth.-- Vanessa Elis

-- Such an innovative way to tell a story through creative staging, poetic writing, and projections. I had never seen a solo show quite like this! Jair is such a genuinely beautiful person, which is made so clear in his one-man show. His writing is so poetic, I loved the imagery he created through his poetic writing and gorgeous video projections.-- Shelley Cooper