Open Space Arts Presents THE REAL BLACK SWANN: CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN – Preview

WHEN:

July 18 – 27, 2025

WHERE:

Open Space Arts
1411 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60646

TICKETS:

$30+

For more information and tickets visit the Open Space Arts website.

A spokesperson describes the event as follows:

“...A fearless, funny, and deeply personal solo show that resurrects the lost legacy of William Dorsey Swann—the first known drag performer and queer activist in U.S. history, a formerly enslaved man who in the 1880s crowned himself “The Queen of Drag” and hosted underground balls in Washington, D.C. Creator and performer Les Kurkendaal-Barrett channels Swann’s spirit while reflecting on his own life as a Black, gay performer navigating love, visibility, and the winding road to adoption with his husband..."

Click here to read more Picture This Post Open Space Arts stories.