THE FILTHY JOHN WATERS

By Benjamen Judd

If you have never had the pleasure of watching one the cult classic films by John Waters you’re missing an integral part of your pop culture education.

The self-titled Father of Filth, John Waters has been responsible for some of the most offensive, camp, hilarious and completely absurd films of the 20^th Century. Desperate Living, Female Trouble, and the utterly disgusting and ultimate in cinematic trash, Pink Flamingos paved the way for later directors to challenge the ideas of artistic appropriateness. Waters was also responsible for finding some of our most famous cultural miscreants such as drag icon Divine, Ricki Lake, Mink Stole and even blue-movie star Traci Lords. Waters’ was the brain that came up with the now hit musical Hairspray and turned Kathleen Turner in to the ultimate environmentally friendly psycho mum with a potty mouth. And he will be talking about his particular brand of filth at the Sydney Opera House this Sunday, March 9.

This Filthy World Vol.2 is a celebration of the joyously appalling taste of America’s most notorious filmmaker (Hairspray, Pink Flamingos, Cry-Baby and Polyester), or as he is known to many – “The Pope of Trash”.

From stories of childhood and early influences through to Hollywood highlights and lowlights, Waters divulges his fascination with all that is crime, exploitation films, fashion lunacy, Catholicism, sexual deviancy and how to become famous (read: infamous). In his own words, “It’s hard to offend three generations, but it looks like I’ve succeeded.”

John Waters is a legend among film fans, who has forged an unwavering path in his quest to give bad taste a good name. Don’t miss your opportunity to get down-and-dirty with this cinematic and comedic icon live at the Sydney Opera House for one night only.

To get your tickets to see John Waters live at the Opera House, head here.