shake & stir theatre co are presenting the world premiere of 'Tae Tae In The Land Of Yaaaas!' as part of this year's Brisbane Festival.
'Tae Tae In The Land Of Yaaaas!' is inspired by the true story of Estee Lee and written by her sister, shake & stir's Nelle Lee. Paralysed at six years old in a car accident, Tae (Maya Dove) struggles to come to terms with her readjusted reality.
After another spinal surgery, she questions what the future holds. . . And her world is suddenly flipped upside down by the loud, proud arrival of her Fairy Godmother (Maxi Shield).
Maxi Shield is a legendary Australian drag queen, having been a part of the closing of the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and the opening of the Gay Games in 2002. She's also appeared on what some call the 'Olympics of drag', competing on the first season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under'.
Maxi has been a part of the world of drag for more than 25 years.
Now, Maxi's hitting the stage to tap into her acting abilities as she stars as Tae's Fairy Godmother when 'Tae Tae In The Land Of Yaaaas!' hits Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). We sat down with her to talk about the role, the show itself, and what's next for Maxi.
Firstly, what drew you to this show?
I was first approached by shake & stir with a “would you be interested in maybe doing a theatre show?” The possibility had me hooked straight away. It was just before WorldPride, and I was an absolute crazy person. Once the glitter settled, we were able to jump on a Zoom and I got to chat with Nelle (our writer), hearing her family’s story and how incredible her sister Estee is, I was sold straight away. Mix that in with the most a fabulous cast. . . How could I say anything but YAAAS!?
It’s based on a true story. What can you tell us about that?
It's an incredible family story about a horrific car accident and against all odds, the family band together to help and support their sister become the most fabulous person I've ever met.
You play a Fairy Godmother who is also a drag queen. How has it been so far to step into those shoes?
Well, after 26 years in the drag world, the drag bit is easy! Godmothering on the other hand is next level. I'm not your standard Fairy Godmother, I mix fabulous fairy magic with some of the fiercest drag numbers, and a few swear words. I promise you will be adding all the tracks to your Spotify as soon as you leave the theatre.
And what’s your favourite thing about the character?
THE COSTUMES! I'm used to wearing some incredible creations, but we are lucky enough to have the 'Costumer to the Stars', Angie White in charge as Costume Designer – so I'm guaranteed to look BLOODY FABULOUS, every time I step foot on the stage.
Maxi Shield
On the flipside, what do you find most challenging about playing her?
This is my first official chance to tread the theatrical boards. Learning lines has been the biggest hurdle. I did drink quite a lot in the '90s and there has been many Mardi Gras parties since then. . . Haha. I've used every trick and I'm surround by some of the finest actors in the biz. We are constantly running lines or helping each other. In just a short few weeks, we have definitely become a family.
It’s your debut at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre. What are you most looking forward to about playing this venue?
Bringing my drag to the iconic QPAC. . . Full stop, is mindblowing! Of course, sharing this fabulous production with the world as part of Brisbane Festival but also, I love the bonds you make with everyone involved in this production. From actors, director, designers, producers and crew, we have quickly formed a bond that I think is for a lifetime. OH, AND MY POSTER IS ON THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING. . . CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!?
What are you hoping audiences take from this performance?
I hope they take away how incredible the human spirit is and that no matter what is going on everyone has a fire deep inside. Sometimes it takes a little time to find it, but it is there and when you do, you can do anything.
And why do you think a show and a story like this is important for people to see?
Because it’s bloody fabulous. We hope to have you laughing, crying, singing along and hopefully leaving the theatre with a new perspective on how you view people that may be different to you.
What’s next for you?
Rehearsals have been full-on but the most life-changing experience. I hope by doing 'Tae Tae In The Land Of Yaaas!', Australia sees that there is more to drag than what they see on a reality TV show. I hope to do more theatre and take drag into new places. We have some of the best drag in the world here, let’s take it to the next level. (Is it time for the drag host of the midday show? I'm available!)
‘Tae Tae In The Land Of Yaaaas!' is on at Queensland Performing Arts Centre 25 August-17 September as part of Brisbane Festival.
