Drag, witchcraft, and Doctor Who

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Publication: Chicago Reader
Date: 2023-07-13
Author: Wanjiku Kairu
Page: 29
Language: English

Jinkx Monsoon talks about everyday magic on- and offstage.

Just like magic, Jinkx Monsoon is coming to Chicago for their latest show, Everything at Stake. The reigning champion of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7: All Winners has a brand-new title. All hail Jinkx Monsoon—queen amongst queens, legal spouse of a husband, cat mother of Tildee Swintee, avid advocate for therapy—and as always, a card-carrying witch.

Monsoon has spent the last month casting a spell all over Canada, and has now brought their cauldron stateside. For the first time ever, Monsoon and their musical partner in crime Major Scales will tour North America, accompanied by a five-person band and a few very special guests. Everything at Stake combines magic, drag, music, comedy, and political commentary as Monsoon takes aim at the patriarchy and systems of oppression on behalf of LGBTQ+ communities. Monsoon will perform a decade's worth of cover songs and original music from their critically acclaimed albums The Ginger Snapped, The Inevitable Album, and brand-new material from their upcoming three-part album, The Virgo Odyssey: Prologue.

Of course, Monsoon doesn't need magic to captivate an audience. But when they do work their witchcraft, they can be considered a kitchen witch. Often referred to as a hearth witch, a kitchen witch uses their home as a primary focus of their craft. Kitchen witches are known to sing, chant, and project their intent while summoning energies within. In an effort to be more mindful, Monsoon remains openhearted to the everyday magic that exists in our world. When dealing with magic, they believe that you get what you give.

"If you take witchcraft seriously and treat it with some reverence in your life, you can open your mind to the world being magical. Even though it is also scary AF, as the kids say," says Monsoon.

A fabulous witch deserves an even more fabulous altar to display their best crystals and charms. Monsoon has a special custom-made altar crafted by a Portland carpenter. The altar is adorned with images of peacocks and the moon cycle, as well as carvings of significant rune symbols. The handcrafted work of original art holds all of. Monsoon's crystals, artifacts, and knickknacks that have been gifted to them throughout the last ten years of their phenomenal journey.

"I think amethyst has been very significant in my life mainly because it cleanses the ego by taking it out of the equation. It focuses on what's best from the situation. That's how I want to be as an artist," says Monsoon. "Of course, I have an ego, I'm a drag queen! I'm a performer! I have to think I'm top shit before I even step up on that stage."

For Monsoon, the reason they experience success in life is because they do more than serve their ego. They serve the show and the work they're doing. Monsoon wants to serve the community who put them here, because that's their favorite way to make better art.

"You have to be concerned with making better art, not making you bigger. I say that as I have embarked on a 44-city tour all about me! But in being all about me, it's also very much about systems of oppression that have affected many of us and the importance of a change to those systems. While being very funny and musically delightful!"

Of course, Monsoon was not always sure if witchcraft would get a positive or negative response. For a while, they worried that bringing up witchcraft would be seen as a gimmick, and while they do consider it one, they decided to lean into the title of "witch," because it's a trope they thoroughly enjoy.

"I didn't know that by talking about witchcraft in my own life, I would affect so many people, like folks who are already fans or drag enthusiasts [who] are also practicing witches," Monsoon says.

"People are constantly telling me they feel really happy to see a representation of witchcraft in something that they love, like Drag Race. I feel like I've found this balance where I can be very earnest and genuine about why I practice witchcraft and what it means to me, while still being entertaining, funny, tongue-in-cheek. It's a sweet honor to be someone who does that for people."

During Monsoon's day-to-day life, they carry charms and stones at all times. They currently have a few ongoing spells as well as mantras to keep them in good spirits. These days, Monsoon makes sure to focus on self-care by starting every day with a check-in, gauging what their mood is, and addressing the needs that must be met. They also practice care daily through singing and listening to music.

"The magic is in my voice, much like Ariel the mermaid. My best friend always says if I was a mythical witch I would be a siren, because I communicate very well through music in a way that transcends how I communicate through spoken word."

Music is clearly Monsoon's superpower, and they're not the only one who recognizes this skill. Legendary BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who has created a new character for Monsoon to portray. By the looks of their wardrobe, they either use music to control their audience, or they're just an average music teacher from Portland. The new villain has been described as Doctor Who's most powerful enemy yet.

As for their time overseas, Monsoon loved acting with the newest Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, and his companion, played by Millie Gibson, and had a blast working with the director and entire crew.

"Every single member of that crew was so incredible. I have been very lucky this year that not only have the experiences I've had been so lovely, but so have the people who make those things happen, and the people who are excited for the new queer direction it's going in," says Monsoon. "Those are the people who really bring tears to my eyes. Everyone is working together to put on the best show possible. That is what inspires me so much as an artist, being in a room full of people who just give a shit with their whole heart."

Monsoon received a very special request from Doctor Who screenwriter Russell T Davies himself, after Davies saw their recent show in Manchester, Together Again, Again!, with Major Scales. After Monsoon accepted the role, Davies reached out and told them he got the idea while walking home from their show that night.

Monsoon says, "It was really exciting because the role already existed and he knew he wanted someone specific for it. That's huge because I wrote that show! It's a little nod from someone I really respect as a writer enjoying my performance in a show which I created."

In addition to a five-person band, Everything at Stake features guest performances from Brandon Rogers; Liam Krug, cocreator of Sketchy Queens; and Drag Race All-Star BenDeLaCreme.

"It's so many things that I've always wanted to do that I finally get to do. It's all happening on this tour. Whether it's about witchcraft, queer issues, or feminist issues, trans issues, or gender politics, or whatever, oftentimes if you just get up and share your thoughts about it in a captivating, thought-out, mindful way, you'll find that a lot of people feel very similarly, and it's nice to know we're all on this journey together."

In honor of Everything at Stake, let's take it back to 1692. Everyone is wearing yesterday's soiled clothes, no one knows what a toothbrush is, and Jinkx Monsoon is one of the first witches to be burned, because they are so obviously a witch. As the flames rise, their custom wig catches fire much quicker than expected, and Monsoon screams out their last words.

"After me comes the flood!"

Drag, witchcraft, and Doctor Who

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