Cabaret Icon Daphne Always will take over Icelandic scene on with the Kjallarakabarett at the National Theater Basement (Þjóðleikhúskjallari) on February 14th, then with her wonderful friends, including Gógó Starr, at Kiki Queer Bar on February 15th and with a Burlesque workshop on February 16th at Kramhúsið in Reykjavík. GayIceland’s Magdalena Lukasiak sat down with the artist to talk about her transformative career and art as a vehicle for change.
Daphne Always is not just a performer; she is a storyteller who blends humor, music, and personal experiences to create deeply emotional and entertaining performances. As a cabaret artist with a modern sensibility, she seeks to bridge human experiences and connect with her audience on a profound level.
“I see myself as a storyteller, whether through song, spoken word, or presence on stage. I want my audience to feel a connection, to laugh, and sometimes even cry. Art, for me, is a way to remind people that we are not alone in our emotions,” she explains.
Performing is no longer just an act; it’s a reflection of who I am, how I navigate the world, and how I choose to embrace joy and resilience. Sharing that with an audience feels powerful, especially at a time when trans people are fighting for visibility and rights.
Daphne’s artistic journey began in New York’s drag scene, where she honed her craft at venues like Club Cumming and The Box. These spaces fostered her creativity, allowing her to develop a unique voice as a performer. However, one of the most defining moments of her career was her transition in 2017 and the adoption of her name, Daphne Always.
“That transition wasn’t just personal—it shaped my performance as well. It allowed me to fully express myself, not just as an artist but as a person,” she reflects. “I realized the impact I could have on people, and that’s been incredibly meaningful.”
Drag, transition, and authenticity on stage
Both her drag background and personal journey have had a profound influence on her performances. Drag taught her how to command a stage with bold self-expression, while transitioning brought an authentic depth to her art.
“Performing is no longer just an act; it’s a reflection of who I am, how I navigate the world, and how I choose to embrace joy and resilience,” she says. “Sharing that with an audience feels powerful, especially at a time when trans people are fighting for visibility and rights.”
Inspiration from Icons
Daphne draws inspiration from legendary artists who have paved the way for boundary-pushing performance.
“Björk and Miss Coco Peru have always been huge inspirations for me. Björk’s ability to create entire worlds through her music, blending the ethereal with the deeply personal, is something I admire greatly. Miss Coco Peru, on the other hand, is a master storyteller. She effortlessly blends humor with honesty, making people laugh while also making them think.”
Returning to Iceland
This marks Daphne’s second time performing in Iceland, a country she deeply admires for its rich cultural identity and storytelling tradition.
“I absolutely loved my first visit, and I can’t wait to return. The people I met were so welcoming and enthusiastic about the arts. There’s something magical about performing in a place with such a strong sense of history,” she says.
When asked about what emotions she hopes to evoke in her Icelandic audience, Daphne emphasizes the power of collective emotion.
“I want the audience to feel joy, nostalgia, and reflection. When an entire room experiences something together, it creates a special kind of magic. Whether it’s laughter, a deep sense of connection, or a moment of quiet introspection, I hope my show leaves people feeling a little more open and uplifted than when they arrived.”
Art as a vehicle for change
Daphne believes that art plays an essential role in fostering authenticity and acceptance, particularly for marginalized communities.
“Art has the power to break barriers and build empathy. Too often, trans narratives focus on struggle, which is valid, but I also want to highlight the joy, love, and triumph that come with living openly and fully. My goal is to inspire others to embrace their true selves.”
Too often, trans narratives focus on struggle, which is valid, but I also want to highlight the joy, love, and triumph that come with living openly and fully. My goal is to inspire others to embrace their true selves.
A voice in the fight for trans rights
As trans rights face increasing threats in the United States, Daphne remains committed to using her voice to advocate for the community.
“The current political situation in the U.S. is incredibly difficult for trans people. Many of my trans siblings are struggling due to legislation that seeks to erase and restrict us. Fortunately, I live in New York, where the situation is much better compared to other states. But I know how dire the situation is for many others, and that’s why it’s important to keep fighting for our rights and supporting one another.”
Despite the challenges, she refuses to be defined by fear. “I recognize the privilege of living in a place where I feel relatively safe, and I want to use that privilege to amplify voices that aren’t being heard.”
Looking ahead
With a thriving career, Daphne’s future is filled with exciting projects in music and film. She continues to explore new ways to connect with audiences, whether through performance, writing, or collaboration.
When asked what advice she would give to someone searching for their authenticity, her response is heartfelt: “Be patient with yourself and allow time to discover who you truly are. Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment—self-discovery is a journey, not a destination. There is no single way to be yourself, and there is beauty in evolving over time.”
As Daphne Always prepares to take the stage once again, she remains a beacon of resilience, joy, and authenticity—reminding us all of the power of embracing our true selves.
More info on the upcoming events:
Daphne Always will perform with the Kjallarakabarett at the National Theater Basement (Þjóðleikhúskjallari) on February 14th.
Gógó Starr and her Brilliant Valentines. Gógó Starr brings a couple of her fabulous cabaret friends, including Daphne Always, for a hot and steamy night at this Valentines Variety show at Kiki Bar on February 15th.
Lets do a show! From concept to hosting – Workshop with Daphne Always at Kramhúsið on February 16th.