Ishmael is an interdisciplinary artist known for his work within political theatre and drag, formally front person for punk band Dream Nails touring the UK and the EU. His work has spanned the music industry to Arts Council funded playwright. Alongside being a punk musician and theatre maker, he is also the creator of drag Counterpart CYRO.
Cyro is a Blasian, trans-masculine, DRAG KING/THING! Bringing strength, beauty and awareness to the stage. Exuding political ferocious and heartfelt celebrations of the black trans experience, from performances at Shakespeare’s globe to Glastonbury. They are a leader on the drag/cabaret circuit in political drag using themes of social injustice and trans joy as the backbone of his performances.
He has been a course leader on the Soho drag cabaret lab, 'Above Your Nerve' drag courses, as a mentor for their drag children, and founder of the drag and cabaret residency at the Mercury Theatre 'Cocktail Cabaret' in Colchester in their hometown. Rooting his work in the LGBTQIA+ community they draw from queer ancestors within their practice.
MA Puppetry