Unpacking Masculinity in 1980s America
Killer Queen is a solo theatre experience that fuses boxing, queerness, and punk rebellion. Written and performed by Peter Griggs, the show follows Paco, a young queer boxer in 1980s America, as he battles homophobia, family pressure, and the looming AIDS crisis. Through explosive movement, biting humor, and raw storytelling, the play transforms a boxing ring into a stage for survival and self-discovery.
The Story of Paco
At its heart, Killer Queen is about Paco’s fight to define himself. One actor becomes Paco, his father, his coach, his childhood bully, and his queer uncle Dan, weaving together a multigenerational portrait of struggle and resilience. Paco’s story is both deeply personal and universally relevant, exploring what it means to claim space and thrive in a world designed to erase you.
A Theatrical Knockout: Style & Form
Killer Queen blends visceral physical theatre with multimedia design:
Cinematic lighting and projections immerse audiences in Paco’s world.
The result is a performance that feels urgent, sweat-soaked, and unforgettable.
Choreographed boxing sequences mirror Paco’s emotional journey.
Punk-inspired score and lo-fi visuals evoke underground queer culture of the 1980s.
Why It Matters Today
Though set in the 1980s, Killer Queen speaks directly to now. The play reclaims queer presence in hyper-masculine spaces, challenges stereotypes about strength and identity, and highlights the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities past and present. For audiences, it’s both a history lesson and a call to action—an invitation to honor those who fought and those still fighting to be seen.
Where You’ll See KILLER QUEEN
Killer Queen is built for non-traditional spaces such as warehouses, boxing gyms, and raw industrial venues that amplify its grit and intensity. Each performance is staged as an immersive event, with community events weaved into the programming. A digital recording will extend the work’s reach, ensuring this story of queer resilience can be witnessed far beyond the live stage.