Now streaming on-demand on the Opera Philadelphia Channel.
The Island We Made combines ethereal electronic music and the transformative art of drag lip-sync to explore familial relationships and a multi-generational depiction of “Mother.” A haunting lullaby formed from the memories and individual relationships of its collaborators—acclaimed composer Angélica Negrón, drag superstar Sasha Velour, and renowned filmmaker Matthew Placek—The Island We Made is a uniquely intimate art-opera film.
Velour, the beloved winner of "RuPaul’s Drag Race" Season 9, is known for storytelling in her performances. As the film’s omniscient narrator, who she imagines as “the embodiment of queerness,” Velour lip-syncs to the music sung by vocalist Eliza Bagg.
Negrón’s music, described as “wistfully idiosyncratic and contemplative” (WQXR/Q2), blends trembling synths, pulsating drones, and ‘90s micro-samples from the soundtrack of her childhood. Harpist Bridget Kibbey joins her.
How to Watch: Available on-demand with a Channel subscription or Digital Commissions Bundle, or with a seven-day rental.