Honey, Mozart is fine: Jasmine Rice LaBeija on on art, opera, and drag
Jasmine Rice LaBeija (right) with Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams at an event for Goldhouse in New York City earlier this year. (Courtesy Getty Images for Goldhouse)
Opera diva, drag icon, and Juilliard-trained tenor Jasmine Rice LaBeija came out swinging after Timothée Chalamet declared that ballet and opera are art forms "no one cares about." But if you know Jasmine, you know she doesn't do polite silence.
During a conversation with Matthew McConaughey at a CNN & Variety Town Hall, Chalamet said he didn't want to work in art forms like ballet or opera where people are just trying to "keep this thing alive" even though "no one cares about this anymore." The comment ignited an international firestorm — opera houses and ballet companies across the world responded across social media with posts and videos celebrating the value of musical theater and dance.
Jasmine Rice LaBeija — Juilliard-trained, International Godmother of the House of LaBeija, and a performer who has graced stages from the Guggenheim to Lincoln Center — was not about to let it slide. After being rejected by the traditional opera world for her femininity, Jasmine combined her two passions — opera and drag — and built something entirely her own. Since 2012, she's had a hold on New York's drag scene, served as the face of NYC Pride 2020, and earned recognition from Beyoncé herself. Most recently, she stunned audiences on Britain's Got Talent, delivering a rousing operatic performance that earned her a Golden Buzzer from Bruno Tonioli.
She sat down with POLISH to say exactly what she thinks — no gloves, no apologies.
POLISH: What was your initial reaction hearing Timothée's comments on opera and ballet?
Jasmine Rice LaBeija: I honestly thought it was a joke or something and had to rewatch the video several times and look up the whole thing. I can't believe someone in the arts who's supposed to have such depth and intellect would say such a thing. But trust me when I say people around the world know who Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and etc are and will continue to know and appreciate them. Can't say the same for him.
The arts, including opera, is being kept alive through drag and places like cabaret — why do you think it resonates with audiences in these spaces?
I think it resonates in so many spaces. Your body being the instrument to amplify your voice makes people connect and move in a way that you cannot explain but just experience. I've recently had an audience member come up to me saying "I don't know why but as soon as you started to sing my heart started to rush and my whole body tingled." There is no reason or explanation. It simply just is and when you get a taste of that sensation you can't help to want more.
What does it mean to you to perform live for audiences in Puerto Vallarta during a moment of uncertainty, and why is it important for people to seek out art and community in times like we are in today?
I think people seek out art to escape but also to come together to connect not only as a community but as beings. As artists we bring people together on a common ground and make them experience something together on the same frequency. Which makes us realize we are more unified and are alike than what certain entities in the world tries to make us believe. I am so amazed at the community here in Puerto Vallarta and feel truly blessed to have experienced this opportunity to perform at this time.
Jasmine Rice LaBeija performs regularly in New York City and internationally. Follow her @JasmineRiceNYC.
