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Last night, The Town Hall was transformed into a vivid explosion of drag artistry for Nymphia Wind’s debut NYC show, BANANAS?. The Town Hall, founded in 1921 by suffragists, has hosted historic performances—from Marian Anderson’s New York debut to Langston Hughes’ discussion on how “the Race Question” should be handled in America. Last night, it carved a new chapter into its legacy—ushering in a bold, unapologetic celebration of queer, Asian drag at a moment when visibility matters more than ever.

Fresh off winning season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Taiwanese drag queen Nymphia Wind brought her theatrical vision to the stage at the historic Town Hall. The show highlighted Asian drag voices in both local and international talent. The lineup of supporting performers included drag artists Angel Au, Felicia Oh, Shia Ho, Chiang Weiii, Hibiscus, Draggy Boo Boo, and Hannah Monina, as well as dancers Fiona Tsang, Rio Kikuchi, Jeffrey Pelayo, and Klint Dimpas. Hosted by veteran drag queen Sequida Hall, the evening struck the perfect balance between theatrical spectacle and intimate connection with the community.

Nymphia Wind drew on a rich palette of creative influences—from Peking opera to avant-garde performance artists and pop music icons. The variety of different styles was vividly on display: bold visual art, inventive choreography, awe-inspiring costumes, and moments that veered into the territory of living art installations. The stage even erupted with bananas literally catapulting into the audience. Yes– actual bananas, banana snacks, inflatable bananas, and more. The air was filled with irrepressible queer joy.

Nymphia Wind’s BANANAS? wasn’t just a drag show—it was a fierce proclamation of joy, resilience, and identity. And of course, the show was utterly bananas. 🌈

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In a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, Dongpo – Life in Poems was a captivating performance hosted at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, New York City this weekend. The show offered a profound exploration into the life and works of the legendary Chinese poet Su Dongpo. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I attended this show, but I was delighted to be transported into the enchanting world of classical Chinese poetry.

Su Shi (苏轼), whose art name is Su Dongpo (東坡) and whose courtesy name is Zizhan (子瞻) remains one of China’s most celebrated literary figures, renowned for his poetic mastery during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). His works continue to resonate across generations, inspiring countless artists, scholars, and writers worldwide.

Shen Wei was also inspired by Su Dongpo. His multifaceted talents as a choreographer, director, playwright, painter, set and costume designer, and visual effects art director, all come together to encapsulate the essence of Su Dongpo’s life and poetry through his unique style of contemporary operatic dance.

Central to the production’s immersive experience is the live guqin music by Zhao Xiaoxia, which serves as a poignant backdrop to Shen Wei’s choreography. The guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument, evokes the spirit of ancient China, enriching the performance with its melodies and emotive resonance.

Collaborating with a stellar creative team further elevates Shen Wei’s artistic vision. Chinese-French composer Chen Qigang, renowned for his work on the 2008 Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony, brings a unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical influences to the production. Xiao Lihe’s expertise as a lighting designer, honed through education at the prestigious David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, infuses the stage with atmospheric lighting that enhances the emotional depth of Shen Wei’s choreography.

At Dongpo – Life in Poems, Su Dongpo’s poetry was brought to life through a dynamic fusion of music, dance, art, and theater. Audiences can expect a mesmerizing journey through the poet’s life, as his timeless verses are interwoven with captivating choreography and evocative melodies.

Dongpo – Life in Poems is not just a theatrical production; it is a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic expression. Through the medium of performance art, the audience explores themes of love, longing, nature, and the human condition.

As the world continues to embrace cultural exchange and appreciation, Dongpo – Life in Poems serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and connect people across time and space. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast, fan of dance choreography, or have an interest in Chinese history, this show will be a great experience for you.