When musical theatre actor Ian Stroughair branched out into the world of drag he created his alter-ego Velma Celli.
Over the years Ian found himself playing a few drag roles in different theatrical pieces, and eventually he let his live drag persona live on in the world of cabaret. Now Velma’s bringing her acclaimed show Iconic: A Brief History of Drag to Fringe World.
What’s your earliest drag memory, when did you become aware of drag existing?
It was a music video by Queen with Freddie Mercury dressed in a pink top and a black leather skirt. Doing the hoovering to I Want Break Free.
Now you do this in the show?
Yes, but I also do it at home as well, whenever I do the hoovering.
When did you come up with the idea for this show Iconic: A Brief History of Drag?
Not too long ago, I was out in Tanzania, not last Christmas – but the Christmas before, I have family there. Tanzania’s not really a drag friendly kind of place, but I was staying at a friend’s hotel and I had a gig at New Years and the sixteen days until my next gig.
I was always getting asked to do these classic drag numbers, things like I Am What I Am. I was thinking, ‘I don’t want to do these songs, these iconic numbers.” Then after a few wines, I thought I should just shove all the songs in one gig, do them and then everyone can shut-up.”
When I wrote them all down, I realised it could actually be a show, but it’s also a chance to chat about my journey and Velma and my journey in drag.
There’s a creative challenge in performing a song that you’re not in love with.
Yes, you have to find a reason to like it, and the only way to do that is to go back to the source and find out why it was written. Then you find something more interesting.
Iconic: A Brief History of Drag is playing at Fringe World from 16-25 February. Tickets are available at www.fringeworld.com.au
Graeme Watson
Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.
If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.
OUTinPerth is news website focusing on diversity in sexuality and gender. Established in 2002, OUTinPerth was a print magazine until 2019 when it became a fully digital publication.
OUTinPerth is created on the land of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of this country and its waters, and pay our respect to Elders past and present.
OUTinPerth is owned by Speirins Media Pty Ltd. P.O. Box 69, Gosnells, 6990.
Help create OUTinPerth. We're always looking for writers, researchers and creative people. Find out more here.
The publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any person within this this site in no way implies anything about their sexuality or gender identity.
Copyright on contributions to and ads published in OUTinPerth is retained by the author/advertiser respectively. Permission to reprint should be sought via the Editor.
The views of this publication are contained in editorials. Opinions expressed in columns or articles are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
Advertisers are advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. The appearance of any advert/advertorial herein does not imply endorsement by OUTinPerth.