HAG! A Creature Drag Workshop with Violet Blonde

Embrace the “ugly” and subvert patriarchal beauty standards with this drag “hag” workshop facilitated by drag icon Violet Blonde!

We reckon this 2 hour make up masterclass will be unlike anything you’ve experienced- get creative, learn skills and explore the grotesque to uncover your inner creature!

The words "hag" and "witch" are historical insults rooted in gendered ageism that devalue independent older women who step outside traditional patriarchal expectations. But originally words like crone, hag, and witch once described respected community figures, healers, and midwives: "Crone" meant an old crown of wisdom, "witch" came from "wit" (wise), and "hag" derived from "hagio" (holy) until these same respected elders were systematically demonised and disempowered by church and state.

This workshop seeks to dismantle the double standards of ageing, narrowly framed and excluding beauty standards, celebrate the authority of mature women and reclaim and embrace our own “ugliness” as a badge of pride, power, and wisdom.

With age comes wisdom, we are sick of being valued for youth and inexperience and performing a narrow version of femininity!

Tonight we celebrate these figures by discovering, embracing and showcasing our own HAG! How freeing it is to step outside the established male gaze and enjoy something more expansive!

YOUR FACILITATOR & HOST

Part pianist, part provocateur, Violet Blonde is a shapeshifter at the keys, deftly switching satire into spectacle through the art of drag, clowning and audience-led antics. Teetering between playful and profound, every show is a theatrical tightrope walk of joy and disruption.

Violets most recent work is hosting Manchesters Red Rodeo Club, Carlton Queer Club House, and her own show The Violet Blonde Variety Show.

She got her start in drag as the drag monster of The Family Gorgeous but has since transitioned into glamour, occasionally returning to the grotesque for the right occasion! Follow Violet on Insta here 

KEY EVENT DETAILS OVERVIEW:

- All make up and materials will be provided. 

- Please wear something you don't mind potentially getting make up on it. 

- Bring your make up remover of choice (we will provide some basic stuff plus cotton pads)

- Venue TBC but will be central Manchester and accessible to wheelchair users. 

SEASON OF THE WITCH: Witches, Women, Magic, Misogyny

Journey through Autumn with Girl Gang across hillsides, cityscapes, storytelling and screenings, to explore how most of modern misogyny can be traced back to the figure of the witch. In their first ever thematic season the collective continues to celebrate a decade of feminist creativity, collaboration and community with crafts, pop culture, rituals and rebellion. Inspired by the horrific histories and curious present manifestations of witchcraft which are both political and ethereal, the work explores resistance, autonomy, collectivity and care, Season of the Witch showcases drag, discussion, dancing and nature, proudly presented with Girl Gang's signature blend of theatricality, softness, resilience building and reflection.

Check out more events as part of our Season of the Witch here! Including “Craft & Coven” thematic exploration and co-creation sessions, immersive film screenings, drag workshops, rituals and more!

ACCESSIBILITY

• As detailed the venue and workshop will be designed with access in mind. 

• We do not have any funding so are unfortunately unable to provide BSL interpretation,

• We will have at least two Girl Gang Manchester team members supporting this event who we will introduce to attendees upon arrival and will be on hand to support you.

• If you have any other access requests, questions or worries, please contact us at hello@girlgangmcr.com

• We are super proud that our events and club nights are welcoming and that there are always people who feel comfortable to attend on their own.

GIRL GANG MANCHESTER is a collective of artists, activists, academics and party instigators who put on events and create projects building connection, community, collaboration, confidence and creativity. Find out more about our previous projects on our website or social media here!

If you would like to be kept up to date with all Girl Gang Manchester's projects and events be sure to sign up to our mailing list here!

This year we are celebrating 10 years of Girl Gang Manchester and have updated our Manifesto please take a look to learn more about us and what we stand for here!

Refund policy: Paying for a ticket funds freelance artists, creatives and facilitators and helps support Girl Gang Manchester in continuing to run events. All tickets are non refundable and non transferable