The 2021 programme features more than 15 events over its 11 days, in the fields of cabaret, music, theatre and visual arts starring an eclectic mix of home-grown heroes and festival favourites.
Opening the show is 'Truth To Power Cafe', created, written and performed by Jeremy Goldstein and reflecting on loss, hope and resistance.
The award-winning Reuben Kaye will declare that 'The Butch Is Back' in his sensational new show.
The high-kicking MELT Beauty Pageant returns in 2021 with an all-star judging panel given the task of crowning the best of the best.
Five ferocious females take to the stage to perform interpretations of songs by Freddie Mercury in 'Killer Queens' – as well as a sprinkling of Bowie and Prince. Meanwhile, 'Showguys' is a boylesque/drag tribute to the 1995 cult classic film 'Showgirls'.
Reuben Kaye © Jax Moussa
There's a diverse array of world premieres in The Studio performance space throughout this year's MELT including 'God Is In The House', 'Violet-Crowned', 'People Of Colours' and 'Queer As Flux'.
MELT Portrait Prize will run in conjunction with Silenced In The Shadows by Dan Molloy, a series of strikingly raw photos portraying the emotional battles faced by many LGBTQIA+ Pacific Islander and Indigenous people.
"MELT belongs authentically to the local community and is our most creatively diverse event; from big and bright large-scale works to intimate, honest and deeply personal shows," Brisbane Powerhouse Artistic Director Kris Stewart says.
"We are so excited to leave 2020 in our wake and have a lot of fun with a venue-wide celebration of queer arts and culture that pushes boundaries, explores unique art forms and shares important stories."
Check out the full programme here.
