Fez Faanana Brings Briefs Factory’s Cabaret to New Zealand

A vibrant blend of circus, drag, burlesque, and comedy is set to dazzle audiences as Briefs Factory opens the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts from February 24 to March 1, 2024. Led by Fez Faanana, a Porirua-born drag artist now based in Brisbane, the show promises entertainment with a message, showcasing the diversity of performance art.

Faanana, who co-founded Briefs Factory 18 years ago, serves as the commanding ringleader of this eclectic boylesque troupe. His on-stage persona, Shivannah, embodies a unique approach to drag. “I don’t shave or wear padding like other drag queens,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. “Like any art form, drag is quite diverse, and there should be enough space for everyone’s type of drag.”

The last time Briefs Factory toured New Zealand, their show Dirty Laundry received widespread acclaim. One reviewer hailed it as “the best circus, drag and burlesque performance you’ll see on local shores.” This year, the troupe will also feature in the Hamilton Arts Festival during their New Zealand visit.

Born in Porirua to a large Samoan family, Faanana moved to Queensland at the age of five. Initially aiming for a career in acting, he transitioned into contemporary dance and physical theatre. Alongside his partner, Mark Winmill, an Australian burlesque artist known as Captain Kidd, they launched Briefs Factory in 2008. Their shows combine drag, circus, and burlesque, with the distinctive costume choice of men’s white briefs reflecting their identity.

Faanana highlights the group’s commitment to representation: “Like the Spice Girls, there should be someone in the show, or a style of performance, that everyone can relate to.” The cast has consistently included a diverse range of performers, aiming to present visibility beyond the queer community, even featuring straight male artists.

The current production features a seven-member cast, including Faanana, Winmill, and Hollywould Star, a drag queen from New York who gained recognition on the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under. Other notable performers include former professional ballet dancer Benjamin Stuart-Carberry, acrobat Luke Hubbard, and burlesque legend Adam Krandle.

While Briefs Factory aims to entertain, deeper political themes also permeate their work. In its early days, the troupe sought to address issues of masculinity and promote a balance between masculine and feminine traits. Faanana, reflecting on his Samoan heritage, notes the importance of normalizing fluidity and challenging traditional gender beliefs. “It feels as though gender is less of a conversation now since we started, and that’s a good thing,” he states.

Faanana skillfully weaves contemporary social issues into the performance, addressing topics such as gender rights and marriage equality while maintaining a light-hearted tone. The festival’s overarching theme of joy resonates with him as he shares, “We find joy in creativity and performing and finding that connection between the artists and audience. Theatre can allow people to engage and escape; it can be therapy.”

The New Zealand shows follow a busy year for Briefs Factory, which included performances at the Glastonbury Festival and tours across London, Iceland, and Brazil. Funded entirely through ticket sales, the company prides itself on its independence, allowing artists to pursue their craft authentically.

“Drag was on the edge when we started,” Faanana reflects. “As a company, we’ve grown with the popularity of cabaret, drag, and burlesque, and that’s been part of our success.” Briefs Factory is set to bring its unique flair to the stage at Tāwhiri Warehouse, promising a captivating experience for all attendees. Tickets are available at festival.nz.