Category Archives: Berlin

The last, for now, House of Presents show at Monster Ronsons.

Pansy at Halloween House of Presents show at Monster Ronsons by Suzanne Forbes Feb 25 2021Halloween 2020 seems like seconds ago, or years.

It seems impossible that Berlin nightclubs were ever open again. But for a short time last Fall, clubs were open, observing careful Covid protocols.

Beloved queer clubhouse Monster Ronsons changed its entire setup, creating a cabaret dinner theater with table service from the bar.

Pansy of Pansy’s House of Presents (in full Jessica Rabbit style at top) and Gieza of Gieza’s Poke House redesigned their stage shows, instructing the audience to clap instead of scream and politely nod to strangers instead of fingering them.

I feel like these drawings were some of the best I did from a livestream last year, because I was drawing performers I’d seen and drawn in real life, and they were performing in a space I know well, to a real audience.

I so much appreciate Pansy, Gieza and Nana making these shows accessible to folx at home by streaming them!

Lola Rose at Halloween House of Presents show at Monster Ronsons by Suzanne Forbes March 6 2021For the two nights of double-header Halloween shows, the family of House of Presents created spectacular acts.

Lola Rose hit the stage to deconstruct a racist American caricature, Aunt Jemima- with a knife!

Naya at Halloween House of Presents show at Monster Ronsons by Suzanne Forbes Feb 25 2021Naya The Cisgenera had a powerful reading and a very sexy look.

Follow Naya on Instagram for humor, decolonization teaching and trans awareness.

Lolita Va Voom at Halloween House of Presents show at Monster Ronsons by Suzanne Forbes Feb 25 2021

Gieza decorated the stage with a monster theme, using old wigs!

Lolita Va Voom, above, shook it gorgeously. Always a joy to draw Lolita.

Lolita’s ongoing show with Nana Schewitz called Jews! Jews! Jews! is a treasure of Berlin.

Nana Schewitz is seen below, performing an interactive and hilarious act.

Nana Schewitz at Halloween House of Presents show at Monster Ronsons by Suzanne Forbes Feb 26 2021

Jews! Jews! Jews! has an online Virtual Queer Seder on March 28.

I am incredibly grateful to my Patreon Patrons, whose monthly financial support lets me keep documenting Berlin’s drag and burlesque performers while I work safely at home.

Drawing Berlin experimental musician Sean Derrick Cooper Marquardt!

Sean Derrick Cooper Marquardt by Suzanne Forbes Feb 25 2021Just finished these drawings of Berlin experimental musician Sean Derrick Cooper Marquardt.

I discovered he has a vast trove of videos on youtube and used them for reference!

I first saw Sean Derrick Cooper Marquardt through this beautiful photoshoot with my friend Sylva; she created a collection of attire pieces for him inspired by one of his shows. As well as being a constantly producing active musician, Sean is a model with Indeed Models, a Berlin company run by women.

Sean’s instagram is here, his soundcloud here and his website is here!

You can buy his extensive discography on bandcamp.

Sean Derrick Cooper Marquardt in purple dress by Suzanne Forbes Feb 25 2021A longtime Berliner, Sean has an absolutely fantastic archive of music.

He has has released over 500 recordings as solo artist or collaborative artist, as well as creating the S&M Accidental Orchestra. His Accidental Guitar sound is completely unique and haunting, a drone-like power hum of mysterious noises and spoken words.

Sean Derrick Cooper Marquardt by Suzanne Forbes Feb 25 2021 Like Jesus to a BabyI hope you’ll check out Sean’s work and discover his mesmerizing sound.

He is a great example of the kind of rockstar who has been a Berliner for years, working non-stop and touring the world, making a serious repository of creative work. Now, with the second/third lockdown dragging on, performers and creators need both emotional and financial support more than ever.

I am incredibly grateful to my Patreon Patrons, whose monthly financial support lets me keep documenting Berlin’s performers while I work safely at home.