Transforming into mystical figures, Hirosin and his troupe bring a touch of eerie magic to the stage, celebrating Halloween through captivating drag performances that blend artistry and self-expression.
As Halloween nears, young drag artist Hirosin and fellow performers mesmerize audiences with eerie, spellbinding costumes and shows that captivate late-night bar-goers in Ho Chi Minh City.Under his stage name, De Ara Hirosin, 20-year-old Tran Huu Loi embraces the art of drag, a passion he discovered two years ago. As a young drag artist in Ho Chi Minh City, he juggles his studies with his love for performing, embodying characters that defy convention and inspire both self-acceptance and freedom.With Halloween approaching, Hirosin and his fellow Gen Z drag queens prepare to captivate audiences with themed shows at local cafes, bars, and clubs, blending spooky aesthetics with vibrant costumes. For these artists, transforming into female personas is not only a craft but also a statement of individuality and creativity.Drag queen artistry, often associated with the LGBTQ+ community, involves adopting feminine attire, bold makeup, and intricate costumes to create memorable performances. As Halloween draws near, Hirosin and his friends are busy perfecting eerie looks, inspired by horror icons like Hannibal Lecter and mythical creatures like the nine-tailed fox. Preparing for each performance can take three to five hours of meticulous makeup and costume design, with Hirosin often sewing his own outfits.At a recent show, Hirosin charmed audiences in District 10 with a vibrant Halloween-themed performance. The act included Lô Tô, a type of folk entertainment popular in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta in the 1980s. The crowd responded enthusiastically, with many taking photos with the performers, captivated by their charisma and artistry.The festive Halloween drag performances continue late into the night, with some shows running until 2 or 3 AM. Audiences are treated to about five minutes of each carefully choreographed performance, complete with colorful props like pumpkins and masks. After finishing a show in District 10, Hirosin and his friends head to Thao Dien in District 2, where the Halloween spirit thrives.For Hirosin, the joy of performing drag extends beyond makeup and costumes. “Each time I transform, I get to see a version of myself that’s beautiful, confident, and powerful,” he shares. The group’s goal is to introduce drag to a broader audience, challenging gender norms and encouraging people to embrace their true selves.One performer, dyed red and adorned with candles, gave an electrifying show that startled an international visitor. The evening’s allure was enhanced by the bar’s growing audience, as more and more people embrace drag art with each performance.“Some days are exhausting,” Hirosin admits, “but on stage, whether I shine brightly or not, I know I’m inspiring someone to be themselves. That’s why I keep going.”As drag culture gains acceptance in Vietnam, Hirosin and his friends hope to continue captivating audiences with their artistry and passion, making each performance a celebration of authenticity and self-love.
Vietnamnet.vn
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