True Colors Drag Show launches with inclusive and empowering performances

True Colors Drag Show takes the stage at Sketchbook Brewery this Saturday, for an evening that is sure to be inspiring, uplifting and thoroughly entertaining. Hosted by Nita Bevvy, co-founder of the charity drag show Kiki QueensTrue Colors is a show that is working to become “drag for everyone.”

Zachary Wandel and Kai Shapiro, two of the show’s headliners, came together through their love of performing. The friends were introduced to each other when True Colors organizer Karen Forester contacted ABLE Theatrelooking for like-minded people for Kai. An acronym for “Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations”. The non-profit organization based in Chicago creates theater for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“For Kai, as a gay, non-binary person who loves drag, it was quite a challenge to find like-minded people. ABLE put us in touch with Zach, the two hit it off and decided to start their own show,” said Forester.

Shapiro, who was the first American to join the London-based group Drag Syndrome, said they take drag very seriously. “I have a reputation as a great performer here in Evanston. I dress in makeup and a wig, but there are many different styles of drag, and that's one thing I love about it,” they said.

This will be Wandel's second drag show and the Evanston resident is excited to bring this production to his community. “I don't want to be defined by just one thing. I work at Whole Foods and try to be a professional singer, actor and drag queen. Through my performances, I want to show the world that I'm not a baby. Yes, I'm disabled, but anyone can do it if they put their mind to it. In a place where people with disabilities are often not taken seriously, I want to show the world that we are strong,” he said.

The name True Colors reflects the group's inclusive atmosphere. “Anyone can join here. It's very LGBTQ+ friendly and the name seemed appropriate. We want people to know that their dreams can come true, regardless of their sexuality,” said Shapiro, who performs as Artisque LaTrois.

Guests can look forward to a variety of performances and may feel like joining in. Wandel, performing as ZiZi D-Lite, is preparing to sing live and drag king George David will be using American Sign Language.