Join us for a reading and career-spanning conversation with legendary filmmaker and writer John Waters as he celebrates the new reissue of his classic early screenplays. In true icon fashion, the reading will feature Waters voicing each and every part from a scene in one of his screenplays.

From the transgressive Pink Flamingos to the joy of Hairspray — later a Tony Award-winning musical — Waters redefined independent cinema in the '70s and '80s with his singular blend of shock and wit. More than a filmmaker, Waters is a literary provocateur whose humor challenged every boundary of taste and convention. This conversation explores his journey from young Baltimore filmmaker to the undisputed king of cult cinema, honoring six of his reissued screenplays: Multiple Maniacs, Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Desperate Living, Flamingos Forever, and Hairspray.

Plus, enter for a chance to read on stage at the event with John Waters when you purchase tickets.

A signing will follow this event.

In partnership with the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University

• Chicago Humanities is pleased to partner with Chicago’s Seminary Co-op Bookstores, the country’s first not-for-profit bookstore. 
• Tickets include two mystery John Waters' screenplays, which you pick up at the event by showing the book voucher in your PDF ticket. Student, teacher, and Humanist Circle member tickets do not include a mystery bundle, but anyone can add a mystery bundle to their cart when selecting their tickets or purchase at the event.
  • Available screenplays: Multiple Maniacs, Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Desperate Living, Flamingos Forever, Hairspray
• Please visit our FAQ for more information.