John Waters Discusses Hairspray & Desperate Living with Ricki Lake

Cult filmmaker John Waters joins actor Ricki Lake for an evening celebrating two of the most beloved works in Waters’s remarkable career: Hairspray and Desperate Living. The conversation offers audiences an opportunity to hear firsthand stories from two artists whose collaborations helped reshape independent cinema and queer culture.

Few filmmakers have had a greater influence on LGBTQ+ art and popular culture than Waters. Over the course of several decades, he transformed camp, outsider perspectives, and transgressive humor into an unmistakable cinematic style that inspired generations of queer creators. His films challenged social norms while celebrating individuality, misfits, and self-expression.

Ricki Lake, who made her film debut as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, joins Waters to reflect on the enduring legacy of the film and its impact on audiences worldwide. Together, they will discuss filmmaking, cultural change, and the continued relevance of stories that champion acceptance and authenticity.

For fans of queer cinema, few events offer a better opportunity to hear from one of the medium’s most influential voices. Whether you’re discovering Waters for the first time or have spent decades quoting his films, this conversation promises to be a celebration of one of America’s true cultural originals.