MISS unpacks codes of representation and performativity found in the more established world of transgender beauty pageantry in the Philippines, and by looking closer to the rigor and choreography in subculture and rural pageantry; where queerness explodes any fixed categorisation of femininity and fantasy.

The Philippines is a bona fide record holder in the realm of international beauty pageants, boasting no fewer than fifteen wins in competitions such as Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Earth and Miss International. And beauty pageants are serious business in the country itself. In the city of Cebu, for example, the Queen Philippines contest takes place every year, the largest and most prestigious event of its kind for transgender women. In ‘MISS’, dancer Joshua Serafin explores the politics, culture and practices behind the queer beauty industry.

Zooming in on the strict regimes and choreographies of the industry, Serafin casts a critical eye on the codes of performativity typical of the transgender beauty contests of the Philippines, ‘where queerness explodes any fixed categorisation of femininity and fantasy’. Serafin based this work on interviews with a number of regional queens. In this way he unravels not only the mechanisms behind these contests but also the religious and colonial influences that can still be felt today.

Credits:
Performance and Choreography: Joshua Serafin
Artistic Advice: Rasa Alksnyte
Sound Composer: Marc Appart
Lighting Designer: Fudetani Ryoya
Dramaturgy: Kopano Maroga and Arco Renz

Co-production: Voo?uit (Belgium), LOD Muziektheater (Belgium), BIT Teatergarasjen (Norway) , Taipei Arts Festival (Taiwan).

Residencies: Bellas Artes Projects (Manila), Queer Zagreb (Croatia), Beursschowburg (Belgium) Zinnema (Belgium)