“Lili/Darwin” – A Poetic Solo Show of Trans Identity- NYC

August 13, 2025 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

New York, NY — I had the opportunity to attend Lili/Darwin, a powerful solo performance, at The Tank. This show was written and performed by the talented Darwin Del Fabro. I first discovered Darwin from the queer slasher horror film They/Them, and was thrilled to be invited to this show. If you didn’t have the chance to see Lili/Darwin yet, it runs through August 23, 2025 so you still have time to check it out!

Lili/Darwin brilliantly merges two intimate journeys: that of Darwin Del Fabro, and of Lili Elbe—the transgender artist whose diaries from 1907-1930 inspired the narrative. If you know who Lili is prior to the show, you’ll love the pieces of history from her diaries sprinkled throughout the show. If you don’t know who Lili is, this is a great introduction! Darwin portrays Lili and herself with sensitivity and strength, moving seamlessly between eras, personas, and emotional landscapes.

Let’s talk about the staging: it was cool to see how the identities were differentiated in a visual manner— Lili Elbe appears on one side with a vintage chair, Darwin on the other with a stool. There were also moments where the lines were blurred. It was visually stunning and I loved the use of lighting and shadow underscore shifts in mood. My eyes were also drawn to the beautiful Dior heels as a symbol of femininity.

The show was brimming with emotional honesty and I felt myself tear up multiple times during the performance. At its core, Lili/Darwin is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling. It’s a deeply personal tribute to visibility, resilience, and the often-overlooked courage of trans narratives—spoken directly by a trans artist herself.

Details & Ticket Info

Where: The Tank, 312 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
When: Performances are Thursday to Saturday evenings through August 23, 2025.
Tickets: Available here.

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🏳️‍🌈 Celebrate PRIDE: Nymphia Wind’s “BANANAS?” at The Town Hall NYC 🍌

June 27, 2025 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

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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“The Merchant of Venice” in NYC

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to check out “The Merchant of Venice” in NYC as a member of the press. ARLEKIN & MART Foundation in association with Jadow Productions presented “The Merchant of Venice” in residence at Classic Stage Company (CSC), the Off-Broadway theater company known for its intimate productions and commitment to exploring and reimagining classic works. William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” is a play that has sparked debate for centuries due to its portrayal of Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. While often categorized as a comedy, the play delves into uncomfortable themes of anti-Semitism, revenge, and the nature of justice.

Igor Golyak, the director of this production, reimagines the play as part of a live television show, with the audience attending the play as the live studio audience. A central focus of this reimagining is the character of Shylock. Golyak’s production aims to present a more nuanced portrayal of this complex figure, moving beyond stereotypical interpretations to explore the motivations behind his actions. By humanizing Shylock, “The Merchant of Venice” encourages audiences to confront their own biases and consider the devastating consequences of prejudice.

The show features a stellar cast led by Richard Topol as Shylock, Alexandra Silber as Portia, and T.R. Knight as Antonio. The production also features the talents of Gus Birney, Tess Goldwyn, José Espinosa, Stephen Ochsner, Delilah Napier, Noah Pacht, and Elan Zafir, each bringing their unique energy and skill to this dynamic ensemble.

“The Merchant of Venice” ran from November 22 to December 22, 2024 at Classic Stage Company – Lynn F. Angelson Theater, 136 East 13th Street, New York, NY 10003.