We sat down with Ireland's favourite Drag Queen, Panti Bliss aka Rory O'Neill and Las-Vegas born actress Megan Riordan to discuss the return of RIOT. Watch the video above...
How does one begin to describe RIOT? Part acrobatic cabaret drag show, part retro-disco, part gut-punching spoken word theatre - the show, hosted by the marvelous Pani Bliss, defies neat description.
Packaged as a troupe of long-limbed, big-wigged, flashily dressed performers - covered entirely in glitter and not much else - RIOT wears its heart on its sleeve and packs an unexpected punch. Described as a 'love letter of hope to the future', this show is equal parts champion and critic of the world today.
"The show was made in response to a time when things were getting very difficult and very fractured and very fraught," explains Megan. "It is about going on a journey of connecting with lightness and joy in the midst of a difficult time. It's great craic but it's very nourishing."
Since winning best production at the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2016, the show has gone from strength to strength and despite traveling across continents with ever-changing political climates and interchanging performers, only one line has ever changed.
"In the nearly three years that its been alive and kicking and touring there has been one line change and that is to change from 'Repeal the 8th' to 'We repealed the 8th'," explains Megan. "It was on our minds whether we should change the references when we go to Austalia or New York."
"We were worried that non-Irish people would miss too much," adds Rory. "Turns out, no!"
Fortunately - and unfortunately - the show's themes of politics, religion, equality, homophobia, and misogyny remain universal. Since 2016, historic elections, referendums, and political movements have occurred in the Western world and yet the show remains timeless.
"We're magically brilliant," confirms Rory. "We wrote the show in 2015 before Trump, before Brexit, before Me Too, before the Repeal the 8th [campaign] really got going and yet, when we do the show in New York they're all sure the show is about America's situation now."
Speaking of American society, Rory reflects on the "hysteria" that he witnessed from "right-wing internet users" after 11-year-old viral drag sensation Desmond is Amazing took to the stage of a Brooklyn nightclub he was attending. Videos from the performance went viral with many online viewers claiming the show sexualized children.
"Anybody who thinks drag shows are about sex has never been to a drag show," sighs Rory. "In America, every drag queen - doesn't matter if you're Dame Edna or Ru Paul - the audience will give you dollars. It's the tradition, they tip you in the middle of your song."
"The portrait that was painted of it bore no relation to what actually happened but the club - which happens to be owned by a woman called Brenda from Dingle - has been inundated with abuse, threats, and complaints," he continued.
On returning home, the activist was disheartened to see the cancellation of Glitter Hole, a 'drag story time' for kids and the online vitriol that came with it.
"To come home and see similar hysteria that seems to think that drag is about sex, and that if a child so much as sees a drag show they'll be damaged for life, and to read the comments online. To think those comments were coming from Irish people...It had that same nasty, vicious, over the top, homophobic feel about it that I don't associate with Ireland."
Despite the recent comments, or perhaps because them, Rory and Megan are itching to get RIOT back on stage for their six Vicar Street performances, all of which will feature surprise guests.
"We're not at liberty to say who they are but last time we were at Vicar Street we had Damien Dempsey, Lisa Hannigan, Dead Cat Bounce and Maria Doyle Kennedy," lists Megan. "The ones we have this time are going to be good."
RIOT will take place between the 1st and 4th of Mary as part of the Dublin Dance Festival 2019. Tickets are on sale now.
