May Kway
Step into this eccentric and otherworldly cabaret, where the alluring spectacle of the 'vase girl' takes centre stage. Witness the captivating performance of May Kway, our charming and enigmatic cabaret star of Chinese origin. But as the curtains rise, her sweet facade starts to crack, revealing a dark, violent secret. Presented through a kaleidoscope of narratives, audiences are left questioning the true nature of our leading lady. Is she a ghost, a monster or merely a human girl?
This performance looks into the historical painful constraints imposed upon women's bodies. From the agonizing tradition of footbinding to contemporary pornography and dating culture, it draws startling parallels, scrutinizing various forms of gaze– the male, the ableist, and the Orientalist. This captivating exploration of identity and representation challenges audiences to confront their perceptions and the power dynamics inherent in the act of looking.
Originally devised as part of the Goldsmiths MA Performance Making degree shows 2023, the piece has been developed in festivals and exhibitions, including ‘Violent Divinity’ at Luckypot, Peckham Fringe Hatch & Scratch 2024, Soho Theatre Drag & Cabaret Lab 2024, and Camden Fringe 2024. It is currently an expanding body of drag and cabaret acts.
