How Sasha Velour’s “The Big Reveal” Is Redefining Drag in Berkeley
Eight years have passed since Sasha Velour won RuPaul’s Drag Race with a stunning rose petal-stuffed number that gave us one big outfit reveal after another. Since then, the quiet kid spouting theory and jargon has transformed into an artist who elevates drag by combining it with performance art. Her latest show, The Big Reveal, now playing at Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Roda Theatre through June 15, is part cabaret, part manifesto, and all Velour.
Opening night on June 4 buzzed with excitement. As we were led to our seats, I spotted Drag Race alum and San Francisco Queen and SF’s Director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives Honey Mahogany gliding into the front row like the royalty she is. The audience, a mix of longtime fans, theatergoers, and local drag enthusiasts, seemed to know we were in for something special.
Projected images of Velour flash by in jeweled colors. An ornate blue brocaded chair sits next to a small table holding her best-selling book, The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag. The show begins with a crew member slipping quietly onstage and lifting a blanket from the chair to reveal Velour’s face. She sings out to us with full, glittering red lips and glides across the stage. Slipping from the confines of the chair, she reveals herself in a stunning brocade gown. This is only the first of many stunning looks.
Velour proves to be a skillful storyteller as she guides us through her journey of becoming. Shaky home videos of her childhood accompany this segment. Through them, we learn of her family’s deep support and love from the beginning of her drag journey. The mix of live monologue, archival footage, and sharp visuals gives the show an intimacy that balances its spectacle.
In between jaw-dropping numbers that have us gasping, screaming, and dying for more, Velour treats us to a brief but vivid history of drag. Wittily told and woven with personal experience, she tells a powerful story. As she recalls her time on Drag Race, I catch a knowing smile from Mahogany in the front row, nodding along in recognition. She would know better than most.
Velour definitely has an agenda, and it’s clear she takes that responsibility seriously. “You would have to be lied to a lot to believe any of this” (she gestures to her gorgeous dress)“could be dangerous.” She states this to a chorus of claps and snaps. Her call to action is not to focus on branding or social media clout, but on how you can instigate actual change. The message hits strongly, especially as drag faces increasing political scrutiny across the country.
The Big Reveal is theatrical at its core, combining high-concept lip syncs, conceptual video art, and personal anecdotes into a seamless 90-minute production. The soundtrack is diverse, ranging from Britney Spears to Stevie Wonder to Stephen Sondheim. She braids humor, intellect, and emotional truth together in as only a true artist can.
Having toured this show across Europe and the United States to critical acclaim, Velour’s arrival in Berkeley is particularly meaningful. Born in the city but never having performed here in drag before, she describes the moment as “a full-circle triumph.” We applaud for her father and family and friends in the audience who have come to support her.
Velour’s version of drag blends so seamlessly with conceptual art that it creates its own niche genre in both worlds. I highly recommend seeing it.
“The Big Reveal Live Show!” runs through June 15 at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre. Tickets available at berkeleyrep.org or by calling 510-647-2949. Copies of Velour’s book are available for purchase at the show, with signings offered after each performance.
Howdy! My name is Katy Atchison and I'm an Associate Editor for Broke-Ass Stuart.
I want to take the time to say thank you for supporting independent news media by reading BrokeAssstuart.com. Supporting independent news sources like Broke-Ass Stuart is vital to supporting our community because it amplifies the voices of a wide variety of diverse opinions. You also help support small businesses and local artists by sharing stories from Broke-Ass Stuart.
Because you're one of our supporters, I wanted to send over a pro-tip.
Our bi-weekly newsletter is a great way to get round ups of Broke-Ass Stuart stories, learn about new businesses in The Bay Area, find out about fun local events and be first in line for giveaways.
If you’d like to get our newsletter, signup right here, it takes 5 seconds.
