THE REAL BLACK SWANN: CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN at Open Space Arts

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.