The Real Black Swann: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen will be presented at Chicago’s Open Space Arts in association with Adam Weinstock Productions on two weekends only, on July 18- 27, according to a press release.
The production follows William Dorsey Swann—a formerly enslaved man who, in the 1880s, crowned himself “The Queen of Drag” and hosted underground balls in D.C. Creator/performer Les Kurkendaal-Barrett aims to channel Swann’s spirit while reflecting on his own life as a Black, gay performer navigating love, visibility and the road to adoption with his husband.
The Real Black Swann won The International Audience Pick Colchester Fringe 2024 and was the Audience Pick of the Prague Fringe 2023. In addition, it has been the winner of The Fringe Encore producers pick Cincy Fringe 2022 and winner of The Doric Wilson Award at The Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival.
Admission is $25-$30 per person. Tickets can be purchased here.