Paul Capsis, the renowned cabaret performer, recently shared insights about his life and career, emphasizing the significant role women played in shaping his identity. A native of Sydney, Capsis has become a prominent figure on stage and screen, with his career gaining national attention through his role in the film Head On, directed by Ana Kokkinos. He portrayed Johnny, a character who navigates his Greek heritage and sexual identity as a drag performer.
Capsis, who was born into a family with a rich cultural background—his father being Greek and his mother’s family Maltese—reflects on the patriarchal and conservative environment of his upbringing. “It was always the women I looked up to in my family. The men were miserable,” he stated, highlighting the contrasting strength he found in the women around him, particularly his grandmother, Angela Capsis. Angela’s fierce loyalty provided vital support during his formative years, especially as he grappled with his gender identity.
As a child, Capsis felt a strong sense of femininity, often insisting he was a girl. He vividly recalls the trauma of being told otherwise. “I remember vividly the adults standing over me and insisting I was a boy and I’d be screaming ‘No! I’m a girl,’” he said. His grandmother emerged as a protector during these challenging moments, advocating for him when the men in the family sought to impose traditional notions of masculinity.
Capsis began his performance career in the late 1980s, initially engaging with the Sydney drag scene. He describes entering a world rife with both creativity and toxicity, encountering the harsh realities of misogyny and harsh judgments within the community. “I thought I’d found my people, but I was a minority among my people,” he explained. This dissonance pushed him to explore the depths of his identity and artistry.
In his journey, Capsis has channeled the lives of iconic female figures, portraying legends like Janis Joplin, Judy Garland, and Billie Holiday. His collaboration with theatre visionary Barrie Kosky in the production Boulevard Delirium is regarded as a landmark in Australian cabaret, merging elements of drag with a profound emotional resonance.
Capsis is set to take on multiple roles in the upcoming production of The Shiralee with the Sydney Theatre Company, a testament to his versatility as an artist. He proudly acknowledges the influence of strong women in his life, stating, “I come from strong stock.” His grandmother’s resilience, having given birth to his mother during an air raid, exemplifies the tenacity that inspires Capsis.
Despite opportunities abroad, including in cities like New York and Berlin, Capsis chose to remain in Sydney, deeply committed to his family connections. Reflecting on the recent loss of his mother, he shared, “It has freed me up. I can finally consider moving places, travelling for longer periods.” He expressed a desire to explore new horizons, including a potential visit to Paris, a city he has yet to experience.
Capsis has also performed in Malta, where he has faced challenges related to cultural perceptions of gender. He recounted instances of being mistaken for a trans woman and the subsequent ridicule he faced. Yet, his resilience shines through as he confronts such moments with a defiant spirit, declaring, “I’m not crawling under a rock for you. I’m not going to hide for you.”
His refusal to be marginalized is a testament to the strong female figures who have influenced him. Capsis’s journey reflects a broader narrative of resilience and the importance of embracing one’s identity, regardless of societal pressures. As he continues to make his mark on the arts, he remains dedicated to honoring the women who have shaped his life and career.
