The deepening dark of October many events to tease the id: wild costume parties, haunted houses, art experiences with a twist. Halloween itself tends to be a messy amateur night, and we’ve all probably been to some extremely lame parties that were not as advertised. Rather than trying to cram all your wild fun into one night of debauchery, why not enjoy a full month of costumes, ambiguous identities, liminal states and a touch of madness? Here are some highlights for this week, through October 11.
FIX MY DICK w/ CHRISTEENE at Chop Suey, October 9, 2015
Performance artist CHRISTEENE has been described as a “drag terrorist,” among other things. That’s a handy way of giving people an immediate sense of what a CHRISTEENE performance might be, but the key word here is “artist.” Austin-based artist Paul Soileau has created in CHRISTEENE a perfect blend of glitter punk counter-culture, genderfuck aesthetics and crazed performance styles all delivered with genuine pathos. (I go on in my essay about Mo Wave in 2014.) CHRISTEENE has toured the world, but she has made frequent stops in Seattle (yay!). This is your latest chance to see it all happen live, but treat it as though it were your last. If you want something truly wild and unique, go.
Presented by Bearracuda and Mo Wave at Chop Suey (1325 E Madison St). With DJs Mr. Sister & Matt Stands. Doors at 9 PM. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 DOS. Purchase online. (Ages +21)
Cocktails + Couture: The Witching Hour at Chop Suey, October 10, 2015
Milliner Brenda Bryan of Lovewell Couture and clothier Jordan Christianson of Jonquil & Mr Black host their annual celebration of artful accessories and garments, Cocktails + Couture, in the Den at Chop Suey (1325 E Madison St). The night features updated version of classic Halloween disguises by Christianson, sculptural headwear by Bryan, performances by Mal DeFleur and Adé A Cônnére, among decorations by artist Grant Rehnberg.
6 – 8 PM, Saturday, October 10. Admission is free. (Ages 21+)
Zackary Drucker as Irma Vep
Last Chance for Irma Vep at The Henry, through October 11, 2015
Filmmaker Michelle Handelman opened the latest iteration of her short film and immersive video installation Irma Vep: The Last Breath at The Henry this summer, and this weekend is your last chance to see it. I went on in detail about how much I loved it in my article on it. In short, it’s a touching, slick and stunning experience that requires repeat viewings to appreciate its multiple perspectives and details. Performers Zackary Drucker and Mother Flawless Sabrina are both transfixing. Don’t miss it.
See the Henry website for directions, hours and admission.
Mimosas With Mama Presents Little Shop of Horrors: Sundays, through November 22
Seattle’s longest running drag brunch starring Mama Tits presents abbreviated musicals each week in the Narwhal, the lower theatre space of Capitol Hill’s Unicorn bar (1118 E Pike St). The productions may be small and scrappy, but the cast and costuming doesn’t slouch, and the intimate seating provides everyone with a clear view of the fun. It’s high camp fun to get you reinvigorated after a long Saturday night. (And I trust your Saturday nights will be long this month.) Every Sunday through November 22 at 1 PM, the crew presents Little Shop of Horrors. The next show is thus
Tickets are $25 and a brunch buffet is available at the bar for $13. The first mimosa is $2 with your ticket purchase. Check out the Unicorn’s menus and purchase tickets online. Ages 21+
