Hong Kong drag queen La Chiquitta is new play's muse and star
Playwright Dino Mahoney’s latest work, Crystal, is set in Hong Kong and revolves around a drag queen, a straight fashion model and crystal meth
Playwright Dino Mahoney isn’t one for playing it safe, and his new show is true to form.
Set in Hong Kong, Crystal – to be staged at Hong Kong University’s Black Box Theatre from November 23 to 27 – tells the story of a gay drag queen who falls head over high heels in love with a younger, straight fashion model. It also tells how crystal meth affects their relationship.
And who better to play the lead role than La Chiquitta (aka Rye Bautista), Hong Kong’s leading drag queen and the inspiration for the play? La Chiquitta came to the city’s attention when she became Hong Kong’s first recording drag artist, releasing the single Tranny in the House (2010) and following it with Party Responsibly (2014), which topped the iTunes dance charts for a week.
Adding weight to the show are original songs by Jonathan Douglas, of RTHK Radio 4.
“I wanted to showcase La Chiquitta’s considerable talents as artist, actor, dancer, storyteller and all-round spell-bounder,” Mahoney says. “Composer, musician, performer Jonathan Douglas was a natural choice to compose the songs for the show, melodic, memorable, emotional songs that give the play added depth and power.”
The play is set in the green room of an intimate cabaret theatre in Hong Kong as Crystal drags up before the show. It is the first night and Crystal must go through the play before she goes on stage.
