Friday night’s theme, drag anarchy, is a response to the restriction on women performing on stage in theatre productions, where until the 17th century in English theatre, men, or more aptly, boys would play women’s roles. The organisers of the event note the role of this restriction in further pushing back the expressions and voices of AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth) bodies, and remind us that anarchism is democracy taken seriously. KingDom of Anarchy aims to disrupt exclusionary norms and open the stage for kings to express themselves. New York-based drag king Maxxx Pleasure puts it best when he says that our patriarchal society doesn’t take kindly to the idea that masculinity and manhood are constructs that anyone can put on. Seven kings and drag artistes — Mx Stallion, Drag Emperor Naaz, Melancholia and for the first time in performance Inqalaab Singh, Magic Wand aka Father Wanda and “He” Larson take the stage to showcase their wit and sass through stand-up, a monologue, dances and a group theatre performance. The event will be hosted by drag king Durga Shakti with beats for the night belted out by DJ Rayska. Chopra lets us in on the details, sharing that the looks are being styled by accessory designer Little Shilpa.

Inqalaab Singh

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The platform launched two years ago, and after 15 offline shows in a year, Chopra tells us that the best part of each event is its inclusivity. “There is no bifurcation where it’s only for lesbians, or bisexuals or gay people or trans folks or allies.” They continue that the event is for everyone to come under one roof to be together, mingle around, be happy, and dance. “Another thing I love about our events is that many younger people show up and mention how this space is really needed because the only way they can meet as a community otherwise is online,” Chopra adds. We are 
particularly excited because Chopra takes the stage for the first time as a drag king and asks us to prepare for the wow factor.

On: August 12; 8 pm 
At: AntiSOCIAL, Lower Parel
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 500