Three years a go the drag show group Drag-Súgur came like a breath of fresh and invigorating air into the Reykjavík nightlife with monthly performances. This Friday, the 16th of November, they are celebrating their achievements with a spectacular anniversary show at bar Gaukurinn down town Reykjavík.
GayIceland contacted one of Drag-Súgurs founders Sigurður Guðjónsson, better known as drag queen Gógó Starr and asked him about the high points of these three years and the show on Friday.
Three years of Drag-Súgur already, what has it’s existence changed in the nightlife of Reykjavík?
“I think that Drag-Súgur has brought a new flavor of variety to the Reykjavík nightlife entertainment scene, and revived the Icelandic drag scene and brought it closer to the local pop culture mainstream, with drag performers appearing in TV, music videos, ad campaigns and across the internet. Drag-Súgur has also given birth to some of the biggest drag performers in Iceland, as well as giving any aspiring drag performers a platform to shine. The drag scene has exploded in the last three years, and it’s simply amazing to be a part of these fireworks.”
“The drag scene has exploded in the last three years, and it’s simply amazing to be a part of these fireworks.”
When you were starting out did you ever dream of getting this popular?
“Honestly, when we were starting this three years ago, we had no idea where it was going or what we were really doing. We just wanted to create a platform for us to be fierce, fun and fabulous and to share our art with the world. After seeing how well the first show was received, we decided to make it a monthly show with new acts every time, and here we are today.”
Will there be any new directions taken in Drag-Súgurs fourth year?
“Drag-Súgur has changed a lot in the last three years, and has steadily gotten more and more professional in the process. We made a big change this year, as we decided to shift focus from being eccentially a drag agency that also produces events, and started operating solely to produce and perfect the Drag-Súgur shows.
This will definitely continue into our fourth year, and we’re hoping to see bigger and better shows, more sponsors, more guest performers, and quite possibly even more shows!
I personally also hope to see more online content from the fabulous local drag talent, as they should enjoy some international attention for their incredible talent.”
Tell me about the anniversary show on Friday, will you be doing something that is different from your usual shows?
“This Friday show will be spectacular! We have a lot of the OG Drag-Súgur performers coming back for a reprise, we have an amazing lineup with some energetic acts, we have some great give-aways and prizes for our amazing audience, and we have confetti. Lots and lots of confetti!
I’m so excited to see everyone together at Gaukurinn on Friday, celebrating Icelandic drag – in a scene which did not exist just a few years ago.”
We congratulate Drag-Súgur on their anniversary and those interested in attending can find all the information they need by going their Facebook-page and checking out the event.