Philadelphia’s vibrant arts scene has seen many groundbreaking events celebrating identity, artistry, and community. On November 16, The Coronation, an all-Black drag king show, took center stage at Prism Arts. Produced by performer and artist Simone Lawrence who performs in drag as Cyrus K Stratton, the event promises to be more than just a performance. It’s an opportunity to spotlight the often-overlooked artistry of drag kings and the intertwining visual art with live performance.
This was no ordinary drag show; it was a full-fledged multimedia experience, featuring 10 large-scale painted portraits of the performing kings, created by Simone. She explained her vision: “They’re three feet by three feet… meant to give an opportunity to showcase these kings to the community and for people to really see their humanity as they, you know, stare them literally in the face through the painting.”
This fusion of visual and performance art not only highlights Simone’s dual talents but also addresses a crucial need for representation in the drag world. Simone also has created murals in Madison, WI and Philadelphia alongside the portraits. Simone’s path to this moment has been unconventional but deeply rooted in her artistic passion. Starting drag six years ago in Madison, she found a more diverse and welcoming scene here in Philadelphia. “I hit the ground running,” she said of her first years in Philly, “and now, a couple of years later, I’m wanting to produce a bigger show here and sort of put all of my passions together.”
Her artistic evolution was also shaped by her recent graduation with a degree in art therapy. “Art therapy… has gotten me through some hard times, and it’s something that I want to pass forward.” This commitment to healing through creativity echoes in The Coronation, which seeks to uplift and empower performers and audiences alike.
Drag kings have long struggled for recognition in the broader drag community, where queens often dominate the spotlight. Simone’s mission is to change that. “Some of these kings… have been around for a while, and still so many folks in the community don’t know their name or don’t book them any longer,” she said. Even with the popularity of shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race there are still obstacles as a drag king has never performed on his show.
Simone feels this oversight is a loss for both performers and audiences. “People think we all do one thing or sort of one note… but there is diversity among us.” Through events like The Coronation, she hopes to not only celebrate this diversity but also push the boundaries of what drag shows can be.
In addition to her solo exhibition and drag performance, Simone has been working to cultivate new talent through drag king camps. These workshops, developed alongside fellow king Henlo Bullfrog, aim to nurture emerging performers and broaden the local scene.
“It’s a passion of mine to showcase amateurs, give them a stage presence, and help them grow,” she shared. “Particularly because we don’t see a lot of kings in the community.”
Despite these strides, the drag community faces daunting challenges, particularly in today’s political climate. Reflecting on the aftermath of the recent election, Simone voiced the fears shared by many marginalized communities.
“My timeline is full of trans people who are terrified and Black and brown people who are terrified,” she said. “It’s scary to wonder what tomorrow holds… to feel like opportunities that actually keep us alive will be stripped away is terrifying.”
Still, Simone remains determined to hold space for her art and her community. “We stick together, and the community’s tight and close. I hope that we hold onto that through the next four years.”
Beyond The Coronation, Simone has her sights set on future projects, including an upcoming show at Vox Populi in December called Bare. Produced by burlesque star Jewelissa, the performance aims to strip away artifice and reveal the person behind the mask. “I might paint, you know, as Cyrus on stage or something like that,” Simone mused, showcasing her innovative approach to merging her artistic practices.
But 2025 may bring a shift in focus. After years of grueling performance schedules, Simone is considering dialing back on drag to concentrate more on her visual art and art therapy career. “My hope is to have a full-time art therapy gig and maybe focus a little bit more on being in my studio.” Yet her commitment to supporting drag kings remains constant. “My passion out here is to give kings space to be seen,” she said. “Whether it’s for myself or for other kings.”
Simone believes that creating unique, inclusive shows like The Coronation can attract broader audiences and foster connections across diverse communities. “I would like the art scene to know of us,” she said. “Creating shows that feel a little bit different and more unique is how we cross paths… and all exist in the audience at once.”
Her hope for the future is simple but profound: to continue sharing her art and humanity with the world. “Every day we dare to exist, to matter, to be remembered,” she said. And through The Coronation, she’s ensuring that drag kings—and their stories—are not forgotten.
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