This glorious glamor ghoul is haunting us all in just their first year as a drag performer… we already want more of Xana Whoria! [Cover photo: Anthony Leo]
Thotyssey: Hello, Xana! You’re a mistress of horror looks. This must be your favorite month, and your busiest!
Xana Whoria: I’m really excited about this month. It’s my first year in drag, so this is my first working Halloween. I’m loving how busy it’s getting; I have some really exciting shows coming up!
You sure do! I’m surprised this is your first year, given that you have these really complex and scary-gorgeous stage looks. Did you have experience in makeup prior to drag?
Thank you! I grew up always playing with face paint and body paint–mostly throughout middle and high school.
Where did you grow up?
I spent most of my childhood in Argentina, but have lived in Mexico (where I’m from) and France! I moved to NYC for school about five years ago.
Wow! Do you think living in all these places has heavily informed your art today?
I’d say so! But I also think most of my art is heavily inspired by my Mexican culture.
Explain what the Xana Whoria Experience is like for the uninformed, if you’d please!
Xana Whoria is forever evolving, but you can be sure to expect lots of blood or slime (maybe both!) Expect lots of references to Mexican folklore, and general works of art. I make my own props and gags, so a lot of my drag happens before I actually get onstage. I love incorporating visuals during my numbers whenever I’m offered the chance to use a screen as well!
How did you come to be a part of drag and NYC nightlife?
Funny enough… I found Dragula while studying for finals last year, and it became my comfort show! I quickly started going to La Zavaleta’s “Bitchfest” last fall to spectate, and would show up in makeup. She somehow convinced me to join the cast this past January, and I was thrown into the ringer! I debuted at [open stage show] “Madd Mondays” and was instantly taken in by Brooklyn nightlife. It all happened very quickly!
You and Zavaleta are going to be part of the amazing cast of Tiresias‘ “Underworld” Halloween edition this Thursday at 3 Dollar Bill! Have you seen any of their productions before?
I never have! I was overjoyed when they asked me to be a part of it because I’d always been a fan of their work. This will also be my debut on the big 3DB stage.
Then Friday, you’ll be with Silly Brown and some fun folks for “Brujeria” at All Night Skate!
Yes, I’m really excited about that too! I’m bringing Llorona into the mix as my character of choice. This week goes nonstop for me, but I’m learning a lot!
And then this is huge: Saturday you’ll be with the iconic drag troupe Switch n’ Play for their Cursed Halloween show at Littlefield!
This one is such a surprise, and a huge honor to me! I’ve been such a Switch n’ Play fan, and have looked up to Miss Malice for so long. She was at “BitchFest” for my third ever performance, and I was absolutely mortified, lol! I never wanted to be seen again! I think there were happy tears upon receiving the booking for October’s Switch n’ Play.
Anything else coming up for you?
I’m making a pit stop at Cubbyhole to spook the lesbians on the 29th for a late night show, and wrapping up the month at All Night Skate for “Vampire Discotheque” on Halloween night!
Excellent! Okay, lastly… who is your favorite horror movie monster / killer?
It has to be Hannibal Lecter. I grew up watching Silence of the Lambs when I was way too young. I can’t get the line out of my head where he goes “I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”
Delicious! Happy Halloween, Xana!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Xana Whoria’s upcoming appearances, and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.
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