Uploaded June 2022 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago

---

John Waters (legendary filmmaker of the cult classic Pink Flamingos and blockbuster Hairspray, and author of Carsick and Mr. Know-It-All) has turned his brilliant mind to fiction: specifically his first novel and what he calls the “feel bad romance.” In Liarmouth, Waters employs his trademark combination of hilarity and obscenity, weaving a tangled tale of sex, crime, and family dysfunction, with main character Marsha Sprinkle (scammer, suitcase thief, master of disguise) at the helm. At CHF, Waters share his secrets for writing well in a transgressive way. He is joined in conversation by Chicago writer, musician, and filmmaker Richard Knight Jr.

Donate now to support programs like this: chicagohumanities.org/donate

Explore upcoming events: chicagohumanities.org
Connect on Twitter: twitter.com/ChiHumanities
Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/chicagohumanities
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/chihumanities