After almost a decade away, drag star and cult sensation Dina Martina is heading back to Philadelphia.
Martina is bringing her “Flat & Lacking” show to Voyeur Sept. 18, her first Philly performance in nine years.
With famous fans that include Michael Stipe, Whoopi Goldberg, John Waters and Margaret Cho, Martina has played to packed audiences throughout Seattle, New York, Provincetown, San Francisco and London.
Now that she has seen fit to return to the City of Brotherly Love, we had the opportunity to catch up with the drag legend.
PGN: Why the nine-year absence from Philly stages? Was it something we said?
DM: It was actually what you didn’t say. No one ever said, “Come back, Dina.” And then I realized it’s because I left you all totally speechless. So no hard feelings.
PGN: At what point did you realize you had become a show-business legend, and are you OK with the responsibilities that come with that title?
DM: It will occur at 3 p.m. May 11, 2030.
PGN: Do you see your influence in the styles of other performers that are out there?
DM: Yes, in Bearded Ladies and Francis the Talking Mule.
PGN: What is the most outrageous thing you have ever done on stage?
DM: Drunk nude yoga.
PGN: Where do you look for inspiration for your performances?
DM: Between the couch cushions.
PGN: Why do you think drag has become more mainstream over the last decade, and do you think that is a good thing for the art form?
DM: Good question. I’ve met some drag queens and I too have noticed that they’re becoming more mainstream. I think it’s a conscious choice to “dress down” so maybe we’ll give them voting rights.
PGN: A lot of big stars count themselves as your fans. Who are some people you were more surprised to find out were fans of yours?
DM: Doris Kearns Goodwin and William “The Refrigerator” Perry.
PGN: Are you going to make Philly wait another nine years before you come back?
DM: No. Lately I’ve been really inspired by Halley’s Comet, so I think next time it’ll be 75 years.
Dina Martina presents “Flat & Lacking,” 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. For more information, call 215-735-5772.