The sequins are packed, the lashes are curled, and the glitter is about to explode. This Pride Week, Reykjavík will be hit with an unfiltered, high-voltage blast of queer joy, rage, and circus artistry as Dirty Laundry—the provocative show from Australia’s Briefs Factory—takes the stage at Tjarnarbíó.
Described as “a down-and-dirty mixture of drag, boylesque, street politics and circus skills,” the show doesn’t just entertain—it speaks. Loudly. With smirks, sweat, and protest. Ahead of the Iceland premiere, I spoke with Dylan Rodriguen – also known as Serenity —one of the performers behind the glitterbomb—about collective creation, queer protest, and the power of physical storytelling.
A dysfunctional queer family with circus skills
Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is Dirty Laundry?
“It’s a post-pandemic show,” says Dylan, “made in the spirit of airing one’s dirty laundry—each of us brought something personal to the table. It’s raw, cathartic, and joyously messy.”
The performers hail from diverse disciplines: drag, circus, burlesque, street theatre.
“Briefs is an artist collective,” Dylan explains, “a kind of dysfunctional family. Each performer is a specialist in their field, and we’re drawn together by respect for each other’s work.”
We are beyond thrilled to be bringing our Australian queer trash punk circus to Reykjavík for Pride.
The result? A joyful chaos that defies genre and demands attention.
Fez Faanana, also known as Shivannah, is the founder, director, and razor-sharp host of the show—famous for his political wit and magnetic charisma. Co-founder Mark ‘Captain Kidd’ Winmill, a legend in the burlesque scene, brings breathtaking spectacle with a rebellious edge.
Together with the ensemble, they create a high-energy show that’s as visual as it is visceral.
The laundry is political
But Dirty Laundry isn’t just a parade of rhinestones and aerials. It’s also about resistance.
“Just by being on stage, we’re creating space for queer artists,” Dylan says. “In a world where those spaces are disappearing, our existence is already an act of protest.”
And the message transcends language.
“Because our work is so physical and visual, audiences feel it—even when we don’t speak the same language. That’s the beauty of circus. It’s universal.”
So, what kind of “dirty laundry” is really being aired here?
“It’s the truth of our bodies, our stories, our joy and our rage,” Dylan says. “We give everything on that stage.”
Coming to Iceland: chaos, connection, and queer pride
The Reykjavík stop is a longtime dream come true.
“We are beyond thrilled to be bringing our Australian queer trash punk circus to Reykjavík for Pride,” Dylan beams. “It’s been a dream for Margrét [Erla Maack – the Icelandic burlesque icon] and myself for a long time.”
Performing during Pride Week is no coincidence. The show aligns with the spirit of celebration, defiance, and chosen family that defines queer communities globally.
And Iceland’s queer audiences?
“We hope they’re braced for some carnage!”
But beyond the razzle-dazzle, Dylan hopes the audience walks away feeling changed.
“If people leave the theatre feeling more alive, more present—that’s everything. Live shows wake you up. They give you something to carry home, something to turn into power.”
It’s the truth of our bodies, our stories, our joy and our rage. We give everything on that stage.
The final spin cycle
In a time when queer spaces are under threat and drag performers are targeted, Dirty Laundry feels like an urgent ritual. A party, yes—but also a protest. A celebration—but also a scream.
So come for the feathers and glitter. Stay for the revolution. Dirty Laundry is airing out everything we were told to hide—on stage, in full spotlight, and with love that refuses to apologize.
Don’t miss Dirty Laundry at Tjarnarbíó during Reykjavík Pride:
📍 Thursday, August 7th at 8pm (18+)
📍 Friday, August 8th at 9pm (18+)
🎪 Brats Carnival for families Friday at 4pm (12+ alone / any age with adult)
Presented by: Kiki Queer Bar, Reykjavík Pride, Vesen Backstage, Kjallarakabarett, Center Hotels, and Tjarnarbíó.
Tickets available from June 30 at 10:00 AM.