None of the following iconic songs are part of the soundtrack of A Drag is Born, but these are the sounds of Edu Díaz’s awakening as a queer man, which is the main topic in his non-verbal clown show. This playlist smells like the discovery and freedom of a teenager from the Canary Islands.
Pomp and Circumstance – Elgar
Given the circumstances worldwide, we should be as pompous as we can. The intro for my show (and this playlist) should be this epic. After all, this was my childhood anthem.
Desátame – Mónica Naranjo
My first jaw-dropping queer realisation. I couldn’t stop staring at the TV. Call it muscled bodies, curtain couture, and high-pitch drama.
If You Could Read My Mind – Ultra Naté, Amber, Jocelyn Enriquez
The first CD I ever purchased. When my mom’s gay friend saw my acquisition and said, ‘Edu, you have great taste,’ I knew I might belong.
Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
My first boyfriend made me believe he had written a romantic letter for me. In perfect English! A friend of mine broke my heart: ‘This is a Mariah Carey lyric, stupid!’
Dov’è l’amore – Cher
Is Believe, the second CD I bought, the gayest ever created? It’s difficult to choose a song, but this one has the record of lip-syncs in front of a mirror.
Obsesión – Ana Gabriel
This song evokes J&B, cigarettes, and pheromones. El Galeón was a remote, sketchy gay club. We were underage. It was glorious.
Hay Que Venir Al Sur – Raffaella Carrà
Raffaella Carrà was Italian, but Spaniards adopted her as our Goddess. The choreography requires long hair. A towel worked for me.
Fever – La Lupe
I created the Hairy Godmother of A Drag is Born based on this song. A Hispanic mum that smokes cigars and doesn’t give a shit about anything: she brings joy, and also some order.
Santa Cruz en Carnaval – Billo’s Caracas Boys
My dream was to be Queen of the Carnival in Tenerife. They are young, beautiful, and carry dresses of insane proportions. This is the anthem they play when the crown is placed. The Carnival and its freedom and excess are, once again, on the streets.
A Drag is Born, ZOO Playground, 1-24 Aug (not 12), 6.05pm