Ladyfag brings nightlife experience to the stage with smuta

In a significant shift in her career, Ladyfag, a notable figure in New York City’s nightlife, has entered the theater scene. Known for her vibrant dance parties and events, she is now producing the play smuta, which is set to premiere in Brooklyn. With nearly two decades of experience in the queer nightlife scene, Ladyfag’s journey illustrates the connection between club culture and theatrical expression.

Born as Rayne Baron, she has curated celebrated events such as Holy Mountain, Battle Hymn, and the recent LadyLand festival featuring artists like Cardi B and FKA Twigs. Her latest project sees her collaborating with playwright Jacob Wasson and director Niamh Osh Jones to bring their vision to life.

The essence of smuta

Smut, pronounced ‘smoo-tah’, unfolds in a Moscow club frequented by the queer underground community in 2019. The play features two characters, Yakov and Goodboy, portrayed by James Scully and Augustus Prew, who navigate a landscape marked by rising hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. Wasson emphasizes the narrative’s relevance, stating, “It’s a play about two people caught in circumstances they cannot escape from, something I find deeply resonant with the current climate.”

From gymnasium to nightclub

Initially staged in June 2023 at Gymnopedie, a Bushwick gymnasium, the play had a brief but impactful run. Wasson describes the frantic setup, where he assembled the production in just thirty minutes before the audience arrived. He had assumed that would be the conclusion of the play’s journey until a chance conversation with Ladyfag at a Passover seder sparked a new opportunity. “We talked about her passion for supporting emerging artists, and that’s how our collaboration was born,” he recalls. Ladyfag affectionately calls it “serendipity.”

The duo decided to defy conventional theater spaces by choosing Refuge, a nightclub in East Williamsburg where Ladyfag serves as a resident promoter. “Jacob’s innovative approach to utilizing a non-traditional venue excited me,” Ladyfag notes. “Throughout my career, I often sought out unique locations for events, and this venture felt like a natural extension.”

Creating a theatrical experience

For Ladyfag, this project represents a culmination of her journey in nightlife, which began when she moved from Toronto to New York City with little more than ambition. “I arrived with just a hundred bucks in my pocket, hoping to find inspiration before starting a vintage store,” she reminisces. However, the vibrant nightlife quickly captivated her, and she credits late queer artist Will Munro for guiding her into this dynamic world. “I discovered the ability to curate an entire experience, from the invitation to the ambiance inside the venue,” she explains. “That thrill of crafting a unique atmosphere drives me.” Wasson adds with a smile, “Sounds pretty familiar, doesn’t it?”

Benefits of a nightclub setting

While staging an intimate two-character play in a nightclub may seem unconventional, there are significant advantages. “Nightclubs are equipped with fantastic sound systems and lighting,” Ladyfag points out. “Often, these spaces are underutilized during the week, making them perfect for innovative projects.” By proposing smuta to Refuge’s investors, she emphasized its cultural enrichment potential, even if it wouldn’t generate profits. “They took a moment to consider, but then agreed, and I felt I was aligning with the right partners.”

Overcoming challenges

The production team has faced numerous hurdles while bringing smuta to life outside traditional theater confines. “We’ve had to adapt to unexpected changes, like the bleachers arriving six inches too short,” Ladyfag laughs. Wasson remarks, “One day, they’ll create statues honoring the effort it took to make this happen.” Despite the complexities, both Ladyfag and Wasson are determined to blend the realms of theater and nightlife, appealing to both theater enthusiasts and club-goers in a time of increasing challenges for the queer community.

Wasson notes the emotional weight of the play, having reworked it during a politically charged summer. “There’s a sense that improvements won’t come easily; we’re bracing ourselves for difficult times ahead,” he reflects. Ladyfag echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of using the arts to navigate these challenging realities. “Amidst all that’s happening globally, we should use art as a means of expression and connection,” she asserts.

Bridging communities

Through the production of smuta, Ladyfag has been inspired to delve deeper into the theater world, fostering connections between diverse segments of the queer community. “Perhaps we should all strive for greater unity beyond our individual bubbles,” she suggests. “This experience could serve as a valuable lesson for all, including ourselves.”