O A'u (It's Me)

Overview

A cabaret season isn't complete without a token drag act. Pacific drag artist Spencer Papali'i shares his love of drag as a creative outlet, as well as his story of growing up queer and Polynesian in New Zealand. Papali'i shunts negative stigmatism surrounding the artform.

"My face is my canvas, the brush is my culture, the beauty blender is my sexuality. Each stroke, each glitter cut crease eyeshadow, each highlighted cheek, feathered eyebrow and contoured jaw. With each step, O A'u becomes clearer. Is your canvas blended? Are your harsh contour lines visible? Are you glowing for the Gods?"