"This Filthy World" John Waters One Man Show,Pittsburgh 7/30

[autorank]

“This Filthy World” One man show. John Waters, Byham Theater, Pittsburgh, PA

John Waters is one of our most gifted artists. He is certainly one of our wittiest lecturers/performance artists.

I saw him last night at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh. “The Filthy World of John Waters” There was a sell out crowd filled with members of the first rate art community in Pittsburgh (yes, it is first rate, go there and take a look).

Waters came out in a red and white sports coat, white shirt, and white pants and shoes. He took the microphone and kept everyone’s’ attention for two hours. His narrative followed his films and his theme, setting boundaries. He was simultaneously telling us that you have to do this and, but also stretch beyond your comfortable limits.

He spoke about three people who influenced him most. My favorite was Patty McCormack as Rhoda in “The Bad Seed” (think of Kathleen Turner in “Serial Mom” but 11 years old and truly frightening). Another, the one who he said had the greatest influence on his career was Zorro, a female stripper he used to see in Baltimore. He said Zorro didn’t strip at all; she just took off all her clothes, came on stage, glared at the audience and growled, “What the fuck are you looking at!”

He was clearly encouraging the audience, particularly the many artists, to stretch and see everything that was around them. He also spoke of things that bothered him. He’s against the death penalty, although he has a real electric chair he got from Florida, I believe, in his home. He also said he was mildly bothered by the adult “baby” movement, which is too bizarre to describe here.

My only regret was that the show didn’t last longer.

Pittsburgh is a great place for art—the Warhol museum, “The Mattress Factory,” for starters and there’s more. Great community, lots of professionals and great community support. Where else would the community Cultural Trust sponsor such san event? Well, NYC and SF (Pittsburgh wags call their city “San Francisco on a budged) but not many others.

[swag]

1. Thanks for the great post - I adore John Waters.

I confess I prefer the earlier films, up to and including Polyester, but I will always love that guy no matter what he does. I have read a couple of his books, and try to catch any TV or radio appearance I hear of.

On my first visit to Baltimore, almost 20 years ago now, I found myself across a sidewalk sale table from him outside a thrift store on Fell's Point. I didn't say anything, but I bought a pair of old chrome-rimmed sunglasses from the table.

I hope the show tours the west coast. I'm certainly on the lookout now.

[autorank]

2. He's the best. he was so engaging and really brilliant!

When he said how important little Rhoda was in "The Bad Seed" I immediately thought of Kathleen Turner in "Serial Mom" as the adult equivalent. I hope he comes out your way. Well worth it!

[Heidi]

3. Thank you so much, autorank!

It's a national holiday here today, and your excellent review (along with a cup of coffee and my excellent cat at my feet) was a great way to start what is sure to be a hot and loud day. :hug: