Chaos Demon in a Tailcoat: When Illustration Meets Drag with Sev Heyn / Franz Genau

Before the Applause Podcast

Step into the captivating world of Franz Genau, a self-described "German drag king chaos demon" whose white-faced, mustachioed persona has become a striking presence in Liverpool's vibrant drag scene. Behind this compelling character stands Severus Heyn – illustrator, producer, performer, and creative powerhouse whose journey defies conventional narratives.
With refreshing candour, Sev reveals how beginning drag performance later in life after a decade-plus career in illustration has been a tremendous advantage. "You're already self-assured, you already know the things you're doing well," they explain, contrasting their experience with younger performers navigating the scene. This mature approach has allowed Franz to emerge fully-formed, drawing from a deep well of creative experience and personal confidence.
Our conversation explores the fascinating evolution from creating queer illustrations to embodying Franz – originally intended to exist solely in digital spaces before bursting into physical reality. Rather than waiting for opportunities, Sev carved out their own space, creating events like a drag pop quiz that allowed them to perform on their terms. This DIY ethos extends to their involvement in groundbreaking projects like the Queen exhibition at Walker Art Gallery and founding the Merseyside King Collective, initiatives that strengthen Liverpool's alternative drag community.
Sevn thoughtfully unpacks misconceptions about drag kings, challenging the assumption they can't be as captivating as queens. "If you're actually starting to engage with the tracking community and thinking what can they offer, it's the exact same diversity, the same unpredictableness that track queens bring to the stage." This philosophy informs their work with the Pink Pony Club, a competition showcasing diverse northern drag talent where performers aren't eliminated and everyone gets paid – revolutionary concepts in competitive drag.
The cultural exchange between German and British drag scenes provides another rich dimension to our discussion, with Sev celebrating the UK's eccentricity while acknowledging Germany's institutional support for the arts. Their dream? Creating exchange programmes between the scenes, allowing cross-pollination of ideas and approaches.
Subscribe now to hear this thoughtful, funny, and enlightening conversation about creating authentic art, building community, and finding joy in creativity despite increasing economic pressures. Whether you're a drag enthusiast or simply curious about the creative process, Franz Ganau's journey will inspire you to carve out your own space in the world.
Instagram: @queerartisan

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Chapters

1. Meeting Franz Ganau: A Multifaceted Artist (00:00:00)

2. Starting Drag Later in Life (00:05:49)

3. The Birth and Evolution of Franz (00:13:34)

4. Queen Exhibition: Reflections on Community (00:24:30)

5. Misconceptions About Drag Kings (00:30:37)

6. The Pink Pony Club Explained (00:34:15)

7. Germany vs UK: Cultural Differences (00:42:59)

8. Future Visions and Creative Advice (00:48:43)

9. Cultural Confessions and Pet Peeves (00:53:27)