Opening Night Panel Discussion: Drag, Theater, & Culture, from La Cage Aux Folles to Ru Paul

About the Speakers

Sunrize (with a Z) was a staple of the NYC nightlife and cabaret scene in the 1990s/early 2000s, headlining in such prestigious venues as The Duplex, Judy’s and Fez, as well as touring across the US and internationally. Sunrize, created and performed by Joseph Ritsch, is a benevolent tribute to the musical theatre artists he adored as a child, as well as a creative endeavor to combine his work as a drag artist and musical theatre performer. In her critically acclaimed ( “Amazing…Hilarious”-Time Out NY) one-woman cabaret shows, Sunrize uses her unique live song stylings interspersed with whimsical reflections, sage advice and insightful backstage stories, to share her ups and downs in the “business we call show.”

April Sizemore-Barber is an Associate Professor of the Practice in Women’s and Gender Studies at Georgetown University. Her research is interested in the intersection of performance, queerness, and race. Her first book, Prismatic Performances: Queer South Africa and the Fragmentation of the Rainbow Nation was released in 2020.

About the Moderator

Rashaud Matthews(He/They):  "Positivity will always be GOOD to me." Rashaud is a professional theatre artist(Producer, Director, Writer, Educator and Performer) Musical Theatre is what allowed Rashaud to become the FIERCE Individual they are today. Not only did it allow him to blossom, but it also released the voice that had been locked away. They recently were a part of The National Players Tour 73, the first ALL-BLACK ensemble, with Olney Theatre Center and are so ecstatic to be back for another historic moment with the company. Graduate of Bowie State University (B.S. Theatre Arts 2020), their sole artistic purpose is to be the voice for the voiceless. They want to prove that there is light and hope at the end of the tunnel. As their saying goes, before a diamond shines, it starts off a piece of dark coal, but with heat and pressure it shines bright forever. Therefore, they want to continue to be the bright voice of reason for those to come. So, let us shine and sparkle together!