Step into the underworld realm of Slaytina, where drag artistry cuts across the conventional
Misfits of the drag scene have found a stage to express their art form. Crypt of Slaytina was created because mainstream venues and event producers often set aside or ignored these offbeat performers. While drag already challenges preconceived ideas of gender, sexuality, and performance, alternative drag artists push harder to gain visibility and feel validated.
Crypt of Slaytina sometimes hosts viewing parties for the alt-scene’s answer to Drag Race, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. The latest show had two parts: main show performances and floorshow competition.
The Crypt of Slaytina main show performances
Slaytina – Lady Gaga’s Million Reasons
Gersana Pilipina – Lana Del Rey’s Say Yes To Heaven
Viper – Jessica Lange’s Life On Mars
Midnight – Taylor Swift’s I Did Something Bad
Gem – Marilyn Manson’s Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Korona Dvil – Nicole Scherzinger’s Run
Malayaugh – Donnalyn Bartolome’s HBD (Birthday Mo)
Maureen Biology – Sia’s Chandelier
Pura Luka Vega – Joan Osborne’s One Of Us
Lady Morgana – Whitney Houston’s One Moment In Time
The Competition
Mother of the Crypt, Slaytina, launched a competition for alternative drag artists called the Crypt Floorshow Drag SuperMonster, where Viper, Gem, and Luxx Arry won titles. Marga Rita won the most recent title in the category Death Becomes Her. The acts don’t shy away from shock value, bold political messages, and deep-rooted queer struggles that evoke strong emotions and could trigger intense reactions. When art ruffles some feathers, it’s serving its purpose. Continually redefining limits and shattering norms are essential for social evolution.
We will spotlight all 12 competitors over the next few weeks, so watch this space and our Instagram page.
Photography ASHLEY SOMERA