SOME of South Africa’s most loved drag queens from the Mother City are allowing viewers into their lives in the Showmax series, “Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap”.
The reality TV show follows the lives of seven drag queens as they make their mark in Cape Town’s drag industry.
The show will give viewers an understanding of the world of drag, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into putting on a show and keep up with the larger-than-life drag queens’ trials, tribulations and wins.
Cast members include multi-pageant winner Emogan Moore, Miss Sovereign Western Cape winner Ina Propriette, Miss Cape Town Pride winner Kat Gilardi, “SA’s Got Talent” runner-up Manila von Teez, Miss Gay Western Cape winner Maxine Wilde and rival house mothers, BB Vahlour, and television personality, Madison Scarr.
Independent Media Lifestyle caught up with Von Teez, real name Veon Wentzel, at the recent Hollywoodbets Durban July, who said that viewers were in for a bumpy ride.
“It’s going to be a bumpy ride, a very bumpy ride, because it is literally a whole lot of drama, but it also showcases art and our art form so beautifully, and I am so excited for that.
“I want viewers to watch because it highlights a community that is very often marginalised. It’s going to take viewers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. We had fun filming it,” Von Teez said.
The star, who attended the annual horse-racing event for the first time, was dressed by South African Designer, Imprint ZA as part of their HIV awareness campaign “#ForeverWena”.
Through a statement, Von Teez added: “It is important to showcase the struggles that the queer community, and especially the POC community, go through on a daily basis. Drag has always been a tool of activism, and one we take seriously.
“Through the show, the audience will get to see that drag is not just about a person dressing as a female, but it is an art form in which a career can be created, lives changed, people entertained and much more.”
∎ “Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap” is streaming on Showmax. New episodes drop every Thursday, until September 19.
Watch the trailer below: