God’s A Drag
by Jessica Lemes da Silva
Winner of Playwright Theatre Centre’s Fringe New Play Prize and presented as part of the 2024 Vancouver Fringe Festival.
Come as you are. Worship how you imagine.
God’s A Drag by Jessica Lemes da Silva follows Neveah, a young queer woman in Mission, BC whose genderqueer pastor starts a Drag prayer hour in their church. This little piece of heaven, a place where Neveah affirms her queerness and spirituality, doesn’t last long as protestors show up. After some unexpected consequences — and guided by two queer saints — Neveah goes on a journey of self-discovery. With a sprinkle of Drag as prayerful worship, this story celebrates what it is to be unapologetically queer and holy.
Developed through Arts Club Emerging Playwrights’ Unit (2022), with the assistance of PTC as the Fringe New Play Prize Winner (2023-2024).
This production is generously supported by the City of Vancouver, Playwrights Theatre Centre, Vancouver Fringe Festival, and the generosity of community donors.
“I am overjoyed and completely thrilled to have been awarded the Fringe New Play Prize. I’m deeply grateful to Playwrights Theatre Centre and The Vancouver Fringe for providing such a wonderful opportunity to move this work forward with guidance and support. I’m excited to collaborate with talented local artists and to connect with audiences near and far!”– Jessica Lemes da Silva
Playwright: Jessica Lemes da Silva
Director: Jack Bumbala
Dramaturg: Davey Samuel Calderon
Co-Producer: Olivia Etey
Co-Producer: Jessica Lemes da Silva
Stage Manager: Julia Abreu
Assistant Stage Manager: Bernice Paet
Technical Director: Christian Ching
Lighting Designer: Victoria Bell
Sound Designer: Cindy Kao
Set & Props Designer: Monica Emme
Costume Designer: Alexa Fraser
“God’s A Drag is a testament to claiming, reclaiming, and proclaiming faith, identity, relationship, and ultimately God on our terms. Jessica’s writing reflects one of liberation theologies’ central teachings: our lives, our stories, our experiences are sacred texts that reveal God’s presence.”
— delfín bautista, Director of the Lionel Cantú Queer Center at University of California – Santa Cruz
“Bright, giving and deeply humorous, God’s A Drag will leave you in an unforgettable experience of queer joy and spiritual liberation that invites all to be a part of. ”
— Davey Samuel Calderon, PTC’s Dramaturg, Public Engagement and Vancouver Theatre Artist
“Now, more than ever, we need stories like God’s a Drag. Queer and trans affirming Christianity has always existed, and it’s time the whole world knew.”
— The Reverend Clare Morgan