By Anoka Latchmiah
The audience sits in eager anticipation for their shining star. Suddenly, they are met with the burst of energy that is Pichi Keane. “It won’t be a moment until the mayhem begins,” she says. It is rare for a performer to conjure such excitement within the crowd before they even begin their set. Pichi is greeted with a roaring round of applause.
At this year’s Festival, Pichi Keane directs and stars in Ripe ‘n Ready, a solo drag-cabaret-burlesque extravaganza. The production is one you simply can’t predict, but such is the nature of drag.
The artist sings, dances, and tells wildly inappropriate jokes that never fail to entertain. Her voice, fit for Broadway, works humorously with her tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
Fruity puns are central to the piece. Strawberries, peaches, cherries and bananas all feature; you can imagine which one gets the most action. Pichi Keane is not scared to share her struggles in relation to her identity as a queer performer, and this allows us to genuinely connect with her set.
Ripe ‘n Ready is also Cin de Bruyn’s first venture into stage management. Together with the creative eye of Tara Notcutt, the lighting, sound and prop design are central to the success of the show. A joke would not be as well received by the audience if not for the technical components supporting it.
If you have never attended a drag show, Ripe ‘N Ready is the perfect point of departure. The piece invites you to experience myriad emotions and leaves you wanting more enticing antics.
Creative consultant: Tara Notcutt
Director & performer: Pichi Keane
Stage Manager: Cin de Bruyn
Sound Technician: Sonwabo Gila
Lighting Technician: Mnqobi Zulu
