Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! || Maxi Shield

The Fame Reporter interviewed renowned Australian RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Drag Queen, Maxi Shield. Maxi is starring as Tae Tae’s Fairy Godmother in the brand new Australian production by shake & stir, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!, playing at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre from 25 August to 17 September.

From the team behind the 2022 Brisbane Festival smash-hit Fourteen comes a sparkling new tragi-comedy told from the heart by nationally-acclaimed shake & stir theatre co.

Inspired by the true story of Estee Lee and written by her sister shake & stir‘s Nelle Lee, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! is a confronting, honest, heart-warming retelling of Tae’s journey from heartbreaking loss to a life top full of adventure, success and love. All bolstered by the support of a phenomenal family and a loving community – and a fabulously flawed Drag Queen.

Paralysed in a car accident as a child, Tae has struggled to come to terms with her readjusted reality. Lying in her hospital bed after yet another spinal surgery, she questions what the future holds for her and her family.

Resigned to let go of her futile fantasies, Tae’s world is suddenly flipped upside down by the loud and proud arrival of her fabulous Fairy Godmother – magic dust at the ready and poised to rewrite the narrative. Together, they embark on a glittery adventure that challenges outdated notions of happily ever after and proves that true joy and fulfilment can be found in the most unexpected – and FABULOUS – of places.

We sat down with the one-and-only Drag Race Queen, Maxi Shield and talked about what it was like being part of an original Australian production, favourite memories from Drag Race, what they appreciate about connection and representation in live theatre and more.

What is shake & stir’s new production Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! about, and what was the initial inspiration for the show?
I guess if you look at the poster, many may think the show is just a story about a girl in a wheelchair but Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! is a story about so much more.

The inner strength of a person, the ability to overcome obstacles and find that magical buzz that lifts you and helps you shine.

Now roll that up in a fabulous soundtrack, even better drag shows, and lots of laughs… maybe a tear or two…

What drew you to be involved in this show – Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! and what is special about this production in particular?
For many years, the drag world has been considered the “arsehole” of the entertainment industry… “Oh, you just lip sync to songs, do ya?”.

As the world has got smaller with technology and we are seeing drag beamed into our lounge rooms weekly, the perception has slowly changed and the world has seen that there is many layers to drag (and I’m not just talking about our stockings).

So, to add ‘thespian’ to my feathered cap, it seems about bloody time. I am so excited and nervous all at once and so happy that shake and stir theatre co. always want to give their audiences more and more with each of their productions, and now that includes a big busty tattooed beauty… ME!

What is the best part about being involved in the development of a brand-new story and stage experience?
Although I’ve been in the drag biz for 26 years, I am always eager to learn and hear about others’ life experiences.

Being around a table with these incredible actors and creatives just blows my mind.

What is your favourite part about shake & stir and the kind of work they are doing?
shake & stir are not afraid to tackle topics and subjects that may seem a little too hard for many companies. But also respecting their audiences and actors. They are amazing (plus they also have a coffee machine at the studio; mornings and drag doesn’t normally mix well. This helps, haha!)

What is it like working with up-and-coming actor Maya Dove and learning about her story?
Working with Maya is so fabulous. We have been sending each other messages whenever we see our poster anywhere, “Oh my goodness, it’s getting real!” So, to be rehearsing together is so much fun. Also, to know that I have been chosen to be this fabulous woman’s Fairy Godmother is an absolute honour.

What was your experience like on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, and how has it changed the way you approach drag and the projects you choose?
Drag Race is hard; we shot our season over COVID, so we had a lot of hurdles to jump, even to leave the country. But as much stress and even more dollars it took to be a part of it, it has really changed my life.

I have travelled the world; I filmed a movie that was released over World Pride, and now… I’m about to tread the boards at the fabulous QPAC.

Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! focuses on the representation of all different kinds of people. How do you think this impacts the future of accessibility in theatre?
About bloody time! I just love all types of live performance, and to think that someone would miss out on something that gives me so much joy, is just horrible.

Whether it’s on the stage or in the audience, it is important to share the love.

What three performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Marilyn Monroe
Olivia Newtown John
Lucille Ball

Why should audiences come along and see shake & stir’s original Australian World Premiere production, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!?
Because I promise you will have a bloody fabulous time.

We have laughs, tears, and drag shows that will have your toe tapping and hands clapping!

Fame Reporter Word Play

Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!
So exciting.

Bucket list
I’m too bloody young to think about a bucket list. Well, maybe I’ve started a little one.

Magda Szubanski
Aussie comedic legend.

Causes you are passionate about
Anything to do with animals!

QPAC
Iconic venue.

shake & stir
Trail blazers.

Queensland
Where I went to primary school.

Go-to Lip Sync song
Purple Rain

Favourite mantra when you are down
Trust your crazy ideas.

Any secret talents
Can cook up a storm!

Ru Paul
Mother Ru.

Married at First Sight
NOOOOO… I don’t like the show, but Johnny Balbuziente is bloody fabulous, so maybe I will give it another go!

I had to stand on a stool to write this!?
The time I was allowed to leave NZ and head home to Sydney and see my dogs and boyfriend.

Dressing Room necessity
Air con or a fan.

Make-over challenge
Don’t listen to producers and choose outfits with a pattern on.

Sashay away
And be ready for your life to change.

Celebrity Crush
Henry Cavill

Down Under
My fabulous sisters.

Can’t live without
My dogs… oh, and partner David.

Creating
Magic! Every time you leave the house.

Favourite Artist
I really love Madonna.

Place you want to travel to
Japan, Spain and Italy.

TV Show Binge
Schitt’s Creek.

Finally, favourite thing about performing
Stepping out on stage and sharing something that gives me so much joy and making people laugh and have fun.