The workshop is led by Marilyn Nova White (they/them). They are a Berlin-based performance artist, actor, and Drag King with half-Bulgarian roots. In their interdisciplinary work, Drag, dance, theater, film, and live performance come together to question binary structures and make new narratives visible – with a particular focus on gender performance and transformative storytelling. After graduating in 2012 in Theater Pedagogy BuT from the Theaterwerkstatt Heidelberg, Marilyn has participated in numerous collaborations and productions, teaching, producing, and performing. Since 2018, Marilyn has been performing as a Drag King and sharing the love for it in workshops at renowned institutions and through international collaborations. Drag Kinging becomes a powerful tool of resistance, reinvention, and visibility. Through humor, embodiment, and character work, Marilyn explores identity, heritage, and fluidity, creating space for new masculinities beyond patriarchal norms.
- History of Drag and historical ‘male imitation’
- Role work
- Body language
- Vocal exercises
- Makeover
Clothing/ Accessoiries
Bring clothes (pants, shirt, shoes, etc.) for the character you want to portray, as well as masculine-associated accessories (e.g. bracelets, headgear, tie, etc.). It’s a good idea to bring different clothing items so we can collectively choose something suitable or swap items with others.
Binding
Binding is optional and depends on your comfort and the type of Drag you wish to do. In the workshop, I’ll show how to bind using kinesiology tape. A basic supply of tape will be available, but feel free to bring your own materials if you have specific preferences. Alternatively, you can wear one or two sports bras or a binder.
Packing
Bring suitable underwear/boxers for packing, as well as socks or other materials to create an authentic bulge in your pants.
Makeup
If you'd like, bring makeup brushes, brown eyeshadow, beard, hand mirror, and hair scissors.
If you are coming to the event in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, please send an email to kultur@stw.berlin before the event. Access may not be barrier-free at times, as our elevator is unfortunately sometimes out of order. Otherwise, participants in wheelchairs can use the open space and the barrier-free stage.
