VaGene Kelly & The Magical Zack
In my spare time I also perform as one of my two Drag King personas: VaGene Kelly, the tap dancing man of your dreams, or The Magical Zack, an 8 year old sleight of hand magician.
I have performed at many events including Man Up, Curiosities Collectives Cabaret, Nip Slip, Don’t Tell the Landlord, Organized Fun, Above Your Nerve Showcase, and Scratch That Itch.
I work with the incredible choreographer Adele Joel to bring VaGene’s tap dancing to life and practice card tricks on my very patient and supportive friends and family.
Thumbnail photo: Henri Antonio
Left photo: James Klug
Clair de Lune - Man Up 2024
In this performance my tap board became a symbol of sacred queer spaces and the personal journey to safety and freedom within them.
Creator & Performer: Nina Attinello Choreographer: Adele Joel Venue: The Divine
Rhythms of Pleasure - Above Your Nerve Showcase
In this piece I educated the audience on various sexual techniques for pleasuring a vulva through the medium of tap dance. I used only voice over and a live metronome to explore the power of silence and tempo in the creation of dramatic tension.
Creator & Performer: Nina Attinello Choreographer: Adele Joel Venue: The Museum of Comedy
Into the Unknown - Curiosities Collective Cabaret
In this performance as The Magical Zack I explored themes of distress tolerance as the young magician struggles to deal with the uncertain absence of one Joker playing card. Coming on multiple times throughout the event, audience witness Zack in increasing distress as he tries to perform card tricks without the Joker. The piece ends in a cathartic lip synch number as Zack learns to tolerate the unknown.
Creator & Performer: Nina Attinello Venue: St. Margaret’s House