RyeT Entertainment Ltd

Over the last four years, the expansion of the talent pool of drag artistes in Hong Kong has been noticeable, both in terms of number and power. Thanks to Halloween, Christmas, the Pride Parade, the annual Pink Season, the Drag Overdose series, BVC Productions' Drag It On, RuPaul's Drag Race and the many holidays, shows and queens that inspire budding princesses to frock up and practice walking in

stilettos, for, well... inspiring budding princesses to frock up and practice walking in stilettos, and eventually force them to get onstage and be a showgirl. Queens are no longer just confined in gay clubs, but are now also visible in straight ones. Even in private parties, corporate functions and big-scale events. There are more projects because there are more queens to choose from, and the range of skill, talent (and talent fee!) and drag style is wider. Even in theatrical productions, there are now more roles for queens, not just the Panto Dame. But still, THERE'S NOT THAT MANY

Enter RyeT Entertainment. Through their maiden production, Jean Genet's "The Maids" (6-9 Nov 2013, McAulay Theatre), co-presented by the American Community Theater, the proverbial box that limited our city's most hardworking, professional, and multi-skilled drag artistes has been opened. Initially just a vanity project, RyeT Entertainment was nothing more than an excuse for its muse, La Chiquitta, to perform one of her many dream roles (Solange). After a sold out run that earned the team glowing reviews, and changed the minds of some skeptics, founders Jason and Rye decided to continue running the company by producing more shows that are traditionally not for drag queens and making them available for them, in hopes that the company could help this community of performers be recognised by our city as practitioners of a legitimate art form. They dream that one day, "dragging up" will be considered a career, and not a hobby; that one day, queens won't have to find a day job, so that they can focus on rehearsal, costume design and trying out different looks with their makeup. It may not even happen, but hey, at least we get to perform in proper stages to audiences sitting properly, and not ordering drinks at the bar. For a city that has dozens upon dozens of bars, restos and clubs per block, that's rare. Non-existent, even.