On Aug. 1 and 2, Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum and Goodman Theater presented The Sweetest Season: A Gathering of Indigenous Creativity.
The event featured two days of performances and workshops celebrating Two Spirit artists and community members. The first day presented a showcase of four Indigenous Drag performers in the Owen Theater, 170 N. Dearborn St., while the second featured workshops and panel discussions hosted at the Museum at 3001 Central St. In Evanston. The second day focused on a community-centered roster of workshops, panels, a pottery workshop, poetry, live music, comedy and artisan vendors.
Performers in the drag show ranged from traditional- to performance-artists with segments by Vicious Mockery, Buffalo Barbie, Chelazon Leroux and host Landa Lakes.
After Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum Director of Operations Josee Starr and The Goodman’s Lena Romano greeted the sold-out theater, the show got off to a bracing start. Vicious Mockery was up first, and their performance was not only athletic but empowering as well.
Buffalo Barbie threw expectations out the window by incorporating Wednesday Addams’ Thanksgiving monologue (from the movie Addams Family Values) with Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody. Tik Tok star and Canada’s Drag Race contestant (season 3) Leroux ripped through “Breakin’ Dishes” with fury before jumping into a hilariously foul-mouthed comedy routine on the virtues of Canada.
The show was stolen early on by Landa Lakes, who performed a solemn dance/performance piece which paid tribute to the millions of Native American children who were separated from their families and tribes and were never returned by the Catholic Church and the Canadian government. After her performance, the theater was so quiet for a moment the audience could hear a pin drop before thunderous applause broke out.
Sponsors for the festival included Goodman Theater, United Airlines and Bumper Lanes.
Below: Landa Lakes, right, and friend. Lena Romano of The Goodman Theater. Vicious Mockery. Photos by Vern Hester
