If you have spent any real time in Alberta’s theatre or drag scene in the last decade, you have probably crossed paths with Lilith Fair. Edmonton-born and now Calgary-based, she has carved out a career that refuses to separate glamour from grit.
Award-winning, internationally travelled, and proudly, loudly queer, she has built her name on the kind of stage presence that feels equal parts theatre school precision and punk-rock nerve. She learned early that artistry can be both elegant and confrontational. That foundation now fuels a drag career that spans more than 13 years.
1. “I grew up listening to a bunch of women artists that I think are sickening. Sarah McLachlan, Fiona Apple, and Tori Amos are just incredible artists. They made a space for themselves. They saw a void that was unfairly being imposed on them, and they filled it. And I feel like that’s an energy I try to carry into my work. As far as queerness goes. Right now, I am listening to “Cannibalism” by Slayyyter. I think the new album is called Worst Girl in America. Yeah, I think that’s going to be the best album of the year. She’s just this outrageous rock and roll girl, totally in your face. Punk rock nasty. The beats are so filthy. She is fighting back with her art.”
2. “Oh, I absolutely adore Dickens. They are a punk rock music venue that is so dedicated to allyship and the queer community. I host a monthly bingo there (Drag Bingo, final Monday of every month, doors at 6 p.m., games at 7 p.m.), and they really treat us like drag artists…. like artists! I think some venues sort of treat us as a gimmick, an easy way to get people in the door. The managers and owners of Dickens place great value on our artistry. But on that same note, I also love The Attic vegan pasta bar. Love me some pumpkin gnocchi. They also provide a stage for queer voice and artistry. At a time when we’re seeing some venues maybe back off just a little bit.”
3. I’m a big cinephile, and so my favourite performance of all time was at The Orange Hub in Edmonton with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where I got to play Doctor Frank-N-Furter, which has been my dream role since I was a kid. I slipped downstairs at a particular early age and saw it on TV, and I thought to myself, ‘I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure that is what I am that.’ That was just a dream come true.”
4. “My favourite thing is getting stoned with my boyfriend [and] ordering Hankki Korean street food … I always go for the combo box, and watch RuPaul’s Drag Race all night. My favourite drink? I went to musical theatre school, so I drink gasoline out of a bag, but I also like Tequila Sunrises.”
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[NOTE: The print version of this story incorrectly refers to Slayyyter as trans. The digital article has been updated to properly reflect her gender identity.]
