Interview: Stella Rosé – Fierce and Fabulous
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South Africans celebrate pride month in October, and this year I decided to showcase an amazing performer named Stella Rosé. A multi-talented drag artist and performer.
Drag is a gender-bending art form in which a person dresses in clothing and makeup typically meant to exaggerate a specific gender identity, usually of the opposite sex.
While drag’s main purpose has been for drag performance and entertainment, it is also used as self-expression and a celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride.
A typical drag show would include lip-syncing or dancing, and performers often have elaborate clothing, hair, and makeup. However, there are such a variety of amazing styles and various drag Queens and Kings that there cannot possibly be one definition of the term. This is what makes this art form beautiful.
Stella Rosé, you are a multi-talented fierce individual that can basically pull off any look and you definitely know how to create a memorable performance. But who is the man behind Stella Rose? Who are you in your day-to-day 9 to 5 life?
“I’m actually a full-time performer. I am a theatrically trained actor singer and dancer, and consider my shows both in and out of drag my full-time career.”
How did you start your journey in discovering who you are through performance art and well… make-up and wigs?! Was it purely by accident or did you show an interest since you were young?
“Completely by accident actually. I fell in love with Jinkx monsoon music, and decided to watch drag race, around that time Detox was in South Africa. I decided I wanted to go in drag for a laugh and I ended up being invited to my first gig in drag. It just seemed to spiral out of control and now I’m a full-time drag queen.”
If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ or an ally, you would most likely know the ins and outs of what it means when you heard the term “drag” but when for the people out there that still find this a bizarre term, what would your definition of Drag be?
“Drag for me is the performance of gender. It’s suspended disbelief in the pursuit of entertainment.”
How long have you been doing Drag?
“I recently celebrated 3 years of doing drag.”
How did your friends and family react to this lifestyle?
“My friends are all theatre students, they just went with it no questions asked. My family was hesitant at first but once they realized it was an extension of my love of performing they warmed up to it and now are my biggest fans. I’ve had everyone from my grandparents to my parents and sister watch my shows.”
How do you think drag culture in South Africa compares to the rest of the world, with places like the UK, Canada and the US being at the forefront of what people think Drag should be like?
“South African drag is unique in so many ways. Mostly our cultural influences drive our drag into a completely diverse presentation. But it’s also a mixing pot, between Afrikaans, indigenous and European influences. However, our drag culture is still very young and has a long way to go before we start comparing ourselves to the world stage.”
How does it feel to openly be a drag queen with people supporting your decision, and cheering you on?
“It’s a phenomenal heartwarming thing to be accepted and loved for what you do. As a naturally feminine individual, drag is a huge expression of a side of myself I suppressed for so long. So to be accepted often brings me to tears of joy.”
How did you choose your drag name?
“Stella Rosé was a spin on Broadway and burlesque influences, as well as ‘Stella’ meaning star, and though I’m not a big drinker, I do enjoy a glass of Rosé from time to time.”
Have you always enjoyed performing?
“I started extracurricular drama when I was 6 and actively performing in theatre when I was 11. Performance is a part of who I am, and there’s nowhere I’m happier than when I’m on stage.”
What quality does your drag persona have that you wish you had in your life?
“I try not to separate myself from my drag persona. Being authentic on stage is what captures people’s hearts. So the qualities are all shared, though I suppose I wouldn’t mind being blonde.”
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
“A mother of two gay sons told me she sees hope in the world for the people she loves, based on the light my performances bring to people’s lives. It made everything worth it, the sweat and tears and late nights. To make a difference in even one person’s life and make one person smile means everything.”
What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned about yourself since you started doing drag?
“Don’t take yourself or anyone else too seriously. Life’s too short to make yourself small for people who don’t matter.”
If pushed, how quickly can you get into drag?
“I can bash it out in 20 minutes, it’s rough but doable.”
What is the secret ingredient that turns a good drag performer into a great one?
“I want to say hard work, but honestly a budget. Drag is an expensive and good drag is very expensive.”
Do you think drag can ever fully become mainstream in South Africa?
“I think it’s getting there slowly but surely. More and more people are queer-positive and more hetero-normative spaces are starting to invite drag acts in. So I think we’ll get there.”
Any iconic artists, or creators that you draw inspiration from when you are preparing for your next show or even just for your next look?
“Dita von Teese, Marilyn Monroe and Sutton Foster. “
How do you deal with those nasty little hecklers that sometimes tend to creep up at the most obscure moments?
“I enjoy them, part of the fun of drag is how intimate the shows can get. I say bring it on, my wit is sharp and I can handle my own on stage, I enjoy the challenge.”
What does a typical drag show consist of in South Africa? What should the expectation be for a newcomer?
“It’s different depending on the spaces. Club drag is high energy and POP music centred. Theatre drag is very cabaret and theatre and brunches lie somewhere in the middle.”
Let’s get a bit weird… but what futuristic technology that doesn’t exist now would you like to have?
“Automatic hair and makeup! Honestly, 70% of my routine is just trying to keep my wig on and my mascara from running.”
Where do you normally perform, and how can people get hold of you?
“I’m the resident performer at beefcakes Pretoria but I do shows all over Gauteng and Cape Town.
People can either contact me on Insta @astellaperformance or for queries and
bookings at astellaperformance@gmail.com“
Any Stella Rosé words of wisdom that you would like to share with all of our future Drag Queens or kings?
“Don’t settle for anything less than your best! You’ll never stop growing and never stop learning, the opportunities will never give themselves to you gratis, make your own opportunities, make your own work and seize them all with both hands.”
Are you following Stella Rosé on TikTok and Instagram yet?
Stella Rosé, thank you so much for doing the interview with me. You are amazing and i cannot wait to see what is next in store on your journey! Shine bright!
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