Duct Tape: A Vibrant Fusion of Berlin Drag Queens and Kolkata's Dr Queer
Berlin drag queens brought their unique performance, Mamma Mia!, to Little Bit Sober in Kolkata. The show featured reimagined songs by artists like Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, and ABBA, along with a captivating act by Kolkata's Dr Queer. Dr Queer aimed to inspire the Gen Z audience to embrace self-expression and confidence through his performance of Taylor Swift's The Fate of Ophelia. Duct Tape, the group behind the show, wowed the audience with their energetic choreography and vibrant costumes, recreating popular pop hits and even an Indian meme. This was their second show in India, with upcoming performances in Delhi on February 14 and 15.
Duct Tape, consisting of EMI, Symba, and Magda von Pfeffer, is known for their visually stunning shows rooted in storytelling. The group, founded in 2022, has had sold-out performances in Berlin. The collaboration between the Berlin group and local artist Dr Queer was seen as a significant cultural and artistic exchange by fashion designer Nil Das. The event, presented by Gaysi Family and Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, aimed to create a platform for the queer and artistic communities while supporting Kolkata Pride, one of India's oldest community-led Pride movements.
Astrid Wege, director at Goethe-Institut, highlighted the institute's commitment to fostering dialogue between artists from diverse cultures. The event not only showcased the talent of the performers but also served as a fundraiser for Kolkata Pride. The show's success in Kolkata reflects the growing importance of diversity and inclusivity in the artistic community. The evening was a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community, bridging cultural boundaries through the power of performance.