The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host two performances of “Turn Off the Light: A Visual Narrative of Horror and Queerness” Nov. 12-13.

The performances will take place at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, and Saturday, Nov. 13, in the Haislip in the Center for Performing Arts.

Gage Pipkin, a senior theatre arts major, created “Turn Off the Light” as his senior capstone performance. The cast includes Pipkin, Lillian Berry, a senior dance performance major, and Lizzie Schaefer, a junior dance major.

“This capstone project is monumental and probably one of the most vulnerable pieces of work I have ever created,” Pipkin said. “I am taking a huge step personally and artistically by sharing this side of myself unapologetically. Throughout most of my university career, I have made it a goal to provide a theatrical event where drag art can be showcased. Personally, I want to demonstrate that drag is an art form and can be incorporated into a theatrical career. ”

Pipkin workshopped his capstone project while attending the National Theater Institute’s Theatermakers Summer Intensive program over the summer. It features music from “Turn Off the Light,” a horror pop album by trans icon Kim Petras.

“Foundationally, this project explores what happens when queer people take on the villainess role that society casts upon them,” Pipkin said. “Like in most of my work, I am inspired by the witch trials, horror themes, and the idea of being the ‘sinner.’ I really want the audience to think about moments where they may have judged people that are different from them and how our society is built to ostracize those that do not fit the mold.”

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Reserve your seat online at ualr.edu/theatre or call 501-916-3291. Facemasks are required.

A preshow soiree will begin at 8:30 p.m. both evenings with refreshments and a meet and greet with local drag queens. Heather O’Sexual, Kitty Kouture, Crystal Queer, and Holly Matriomony-Olsen will join the preshow on Nov. 12, while Heather O’Sexual, Klassy Jean Kouture, and Human Size Doll will join the preshow on Nov. 13.