Backstage at Auckland’s favourite drag cabaret bar, Maxi Flair, Ophelia Bottom and Heidi Hole are readying themselves to perform another sell out show. 

But unbeknownst to Maxi and Ophelia, Heidi is struggling to come to terms with the failing eyesight that is forcing a premature end to her stage career. The dawning realisation threatens the show – and the future of the drag trio.

This live presentation is the culmination of workshop sessions in the days prior, and will include a post-performance discussion with the creative team.

The story for Live Drag! – An Opera In The Making is inspired by the life of the owner of iconic Ponsonby Road bar, Surrender Dorothy, equestrian and eventing coach, Peter Taylor. 

Taylor contracted Leishmania when he was bitten by a sand-fly at the Barcelona Olympics. Side effects from the treatment for the disease caused severe vision impairment and profound deafness, but Taylor truly defied the odds. Doctors had predicted a gloomy prognosis, given Taylor’s HIV status, but he lived for 21 years following his Leishmania diagnosis. 

Taylor’s story – and his relentless positivity – provided the inspiration for composer Claire Scholes for this original New Zealand Opera production.