Exclusive Interview: Donia Kash Talks ‘Slay,’ Exploring the Film’s Comedic and Dramatic Beats, Creating Visibility Through Media, and More

Donia Kash is a multifaceted storyteller who is slaying the industry both in front of and behind the camera. Their past credits include projects like Motherland: Fort Salem, A Million Little Things, and So Help Me Todd.

Currently, they’re headlining in the Tubi Original, Slay, penned and directed by the talented Jem Garrard. In the dramedy, after a booking mishap, four drag queens are thrust into an unwelcoming crowd, only to find themselves the last line of defense when vampires descend upon the scene.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Donia about Slay where we chatted about their character Jax, exploring the film’s comedic and dramatic beats, and creating visibility through media.

PC: You’re one of the stars of Slay. What was it about this character and script that resonated with you and made you want to be part of it?
Donia: There was so much in Jem’s script that made me want to jump into this experience. They wrote Jax as an unapologetic non-binary person who wants to spread good in the world with a side of quick wit in this horror-comedy with queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race and fight scenes taking out dark vampires.

PC: In addition to acting, you’ve also written, produced, and directed. How have your experiences behind the scenes impacted the way you approach your work on screen, and vice versa?
Donia: An idea coming together with folks who have pooled their strong skill sets to make it come to life; How amazing is that? I try to offer as much as I can while at the same time honoring what the creative team intends to help shape the cinematic story.

PC: You’re able to show the breadth of your talent through your portrayal of Jax, who gets to play in both the comedic and dramatic beats. For you as an artist, is one more challenging than the other? Is the preparation different for those various scenes?
Donia: That’s very kind of you. I love doing both comedy and drama. They’re equally fun and challenging. One thing they have in common is finding the truths of the script and story. Being quick with ideas in comedy is super important and not cracking during a take from another amazing actor’s jokes. For the more dramatic scenes, it’s about bringing your vulnerability into it and staying open to what really matters.

PC: Comedy is a genre that really encourages improvisation. How did the trust that you built with Jem allow you to find those moments and also take agency over your character’s arc?
Donia: Jem wrote such an action-packed script with so much humor that I would constantly look for anything else to add to it. That being said, they were so open to suggestions and improvisations. I think one of the days I asked Jem if I could show them a whole fight sequence the stunt team and I came up with. They were game, and it made it into Slay‘s final cut.

PC: Jax is unapologetically themselves. What did you learn about yourself embodying them?
Donia: Jax definitely brought out a side of me that I usually don’t show. For example, I have Jax to thank for revealing my extroverted side and embracing my inner badass.

PC: You’ve been such a trailblazer throughout your career, and have always aimed to create stories that make a lasting impact. What do you hope audiences take away from your portrayal of Jax?
Donia: I hope they love Slay and Jax so much that they rewatch and quote it. Movies and characters like Jax give our audience, no matter who they are, comfort with a side of laughter, letting them know, “We see you!”

To keep up with Donia, follow them on X and Instagram. Watch Slay on Tubi today.

Photo Credit: Jenna Bermen