Les Kurkendaal-Barrett presents a solo performance that brings to life the story of William Dorsey Swann, the first known drag performer and queer activist in U.S. history. Set against the backdrop of the 1880s, the show intertwines Swann's legacy with Kurkendaal-Barrett's personal experiences as a Black, gay artist, exploring themes of love, visibility, and identity. Through a mixture of storytelling and theatricality, the performance reflects on the fight for recognition within marginalized communities and the significance of reclaiming erased narratives. The production runs from July 18 to July 27 at Open Space Arts in Chicago.
THE REAL BLACK SWANN: CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN at Open Space Arts Schedule
Cast and Creative team for THE REAL BLACK SWANN: CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN at Open Space Arts
Cast
Les Kurkendaal-Barrett
William Dorsey Swann
Creative Team
Les Kurkendaal-Barrett
Creator and Performer
David Zak
Executive Director
Adam Weinstock Productions
Presented in association
SUBMIT UPDATES
Open Space Arts Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
DORIAN (11/28/25-12/14/25)
Gangsta Baby (9/19/25-10/19/25)
Scandalous Boy (5/23/25-6/28/25)
it's been ten years since everyone died. a play about final girls (3/21/25-4/19/25)
DORIAN (11/28/25-12/14/25)
Open Space Arts is at 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL.
Videos
 |
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Paramount Theatre (11/12 - 1/11) | |
 |
Amadeus
Steppenwolf Theatre Company (11/6 - 1/4) | |
 |
A Carpenters Christmas
Raue Center For The Arts (12/10 - 12/10) | |
 |
Anthony Rapp: Home for the Holidays
Lookingglass Theatre Company (12/17 - 12/20) | |
 |
RCSA presents A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol
Raue Center For The Arts (11/21 - 12/7) | |
 |
Miracle on South Division Street
Citadel Theatre (11/14 - 12/14)
DISCOUNT
| |
 |
Jingle Belles Comedy
Raue Center For The Arts (12/11 - 12/11) | |
 |
A Soulful Motown Christmas Holiday Cabaret
Harris Theater (12/13 - 12/13) CONCERT HOLIDAY SHOW | |
|
Under the Streetlamp: Hip to the Holidays
ECC Arts Center (12/12 - 12/12) | |
|
Holidays a cappella at Chicago a cappella
Chicago A Cappella (10/25 - 8/25) | |
|
Desert Rock
Raue Center For The Arts (2/6 - 2/6) | |
|
South Pacific
Paramount Theatre (4/29 - 6/14) | |
|
As You Like It
Writers Theatre (10/30 - 12/14) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
Get Chicago's #1 Theatre Newsletter
All the show news & discounts for Chicago & beyond.
