ARABIAN NIGHTS
1942. US. 86 min. Directed by John Rawlins. 35mm print!

In this 1942 wartime diversion, Dominican camp icon Maria Montez joins the ever-delicate Sabu in a very loose Hollywood adaption of the classic Middle-Eastern stories. As Scheherazade, Montez gives the first of many deliriously over-the-top performances that endeared her to a generation of 1960s queer New York art visionaries, including guest presenter Agosto Machado, a brilliant performer who worked with fellow Montez-worshippers Jack Smith, John Vaccaro and Ronald Tavel. Machado explains, “Even on black and white TV, Montez, aka “the Queen of Technicolor”, gave sanctuary from any reality, opening a gateway to exotic possibilities perfumed with magical dreams.”

As always, our screening will be followed by drinks and discussion at Julius Bar (159 West 10th St. at Waverly), the oldest gay bar in New York City!

AGOSTO MACHADO

Agosto Machado is a pre-Stonewall Christopher Street queen who witnessed and participated in alternative theater and gay liberation. Machado has had a long and distinguished career in experimental theater, beginning with Off-off-Broadway productions in the 1960’s. He has worked with John Vaccaro's Playhouse of the Ridiculous, Jack Smith and Warhol superstar Jackie Curtis. Machado was a close friend of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.

AGOSTO MACHADO ON ARABIAN NIGHTS

“Even on black and white TV, Maria Montez, also known as “the Queen of Technicolor”, gave sanctuary from any reality, opening a gateway to exotic possibilities perfumed with magical dreams. I worshipped at her shrine with Jack Smith (Flaming Creatures), John Vaccaro (Playhouse of the Ridiculous) and Ronald Tavel (The Life of Juanita Castro, Chelsea Girls)."
Agosto Machado is a pre-Stonewall Christopher Street queen who witnessed and participated in alternative theater and gay liberation. Machado has had a long and distinguished career in experimental theater, beginning with Off-off-Broadway productions in the 1960’s. He has worked with John Vaccaro's Playhouse of the Ridiculous, Jack Smith and Warhol superstar Jackie Curtis. Machado was a close friend of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.

AGOSTO MACHADO ON ARABIAN NIGHTS

“Even on black and white TV, Maria Montez, also known as “the Queen of Technicolor”, gave sanctuary from any reality, opening a gateway to exotic possibilities perfumed with magical dreams. I worshipped at her shrine with Jack Smith (Flaming Creatures), John Vaccaro (Playhouse of the Ridiculous) and Ronald Tavel (The Life of Juanita Castro, Chelsea Girls)."