The Goldberg Variations
Clayton Lee (Canada/UK)
What are the blueprints of sexual desire and fantasy? In this unapologetic investigation of power dynamics and identity, Clayton Lee invites the audience to confront that very question through an intimate and unfiltered reckoning of his sexual and romantic history. With deadpan humour and mischievous wit, Lee explores his childhood obsession with the professional wrestler Bill Goldberg and its lasting impact on him.
Entangling queer diasporic sexuality and Bach’s classical compositions, this ever-evolving piece sets an unexpectedly tender stage where desires are both indulged and deconstructed, and the perplexing crossroads between dominance, submission, heartbreak and vulnerability are laid bare. At times unhinged, and always deeply personal, Lee takes audiences through the fixations and speculations of sexual fantasy in a candid and thoroughly unconventional performance.
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Artist Bio
Clayton Lee
Clayton Lee is a Canadian curator, producer, and performance artist. He is currently the Artistic Director of Fierce Festival in Birmingham, UK and, as part of the Living Room Collective, will be representing Canada at the 2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture.
Partners
Venue
1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Showtimes
- January 30: 9PM
Post-show talkback: Jan 30
Content Advisory
18+, sexually explicit, depicts violence, haze, scents, flashing lights, audience interaction, live snake.
Tickets
Single tickets: $39
Credits
Created and Performed by Clayton Lee With Marc-Andre Boulanger AKA The Beast King FTM, Rex Rothschild, Medusa/Merlin, and more Lighting Design Frank Donato Music J.S. Bach Scent Killian Wells for Xyrena Costume Fabrication Lisa Blackford Outside Eyes: Franco Boni, Francesco Gagliardi Rehearsal Director: Jay Wegman