The Waterfront Journals by David Wojnarowicz
Step into the raw, poetic universe of The Waterfront Journals by David Wojnarowicz. Stories plucked from street corners and late-night diners blend haunting confessions and gritty lyricism. Journey through the forgotten landscapes of America's fringes—encountering hustlers, dreamers, and survivors—that David navigated in the 1970's and 1980's. Their stories weave a tapestry of desperation, resilience, and longing. Directed and produced by RJ and Rachel Rushmore, The Waterfront Journals by David Wojnarowicz is a profound exploration of those who exist at the edges, told with honesty, urgency, and humanity. This production adapts a selection of monologues from Wojnarowicz's book of the same name, bringing them to the stage in the United States for the first time in decades. 21+ venue. Doors at 7pm, performances at 8pm.
Join us before the September 14 performance for an opportunity to meet Alan Barrows of Civilian Warfare Gallery, one of the spaces that launched David’s art career.
Text:
Copyright Estate of David Wojnarowicz. Courtesy of the Estate of David Wojnarowicz. With thanks to the David Wojnarowicz Foundation (WOJFOUND.ORG) and P·P·O·W, New York
Image:
David Wojnarowicz, Autoportrait - New York, 1980, silver gelatin print, 11 x 14 ins. (27.9 x 35.6 cm). Copyright Estate of David Wojnarowicz. Courtesy of the Estate of David Wojnarowicz and P·P·O·W, New York.
Details
Run Time: 120 mins
Ticket Price: $25
PWYC Options $5+
Venue: The Velvet Whip
Dates: September 4, 2025 - September 28, 2025
September 4, 2025 8.00pm
Doors at 7pm, performances at 8pm.
319 N.11th Street
General Admission:$25
PWYC Options
September 14, 2025 8.00pm
Join us before the September 14 performance for an opportunity to meet Alan Barrows of Civilian Warfare Gallery, one of the spaces that launched David’s art career
319 N.11th Street
General Admission:$25
PWYC Options
September 21, 2025 8.00pm
Doors at 7pm, performances at 8pm.
319 N.11th Street
General Admission:$25
PWYC Options
September 28, 2025 8.00pm
Doors at 7pm, performances at 8pm.
319 N.11th Street
General Admission:$25
PWYC Options
About the Artist
Rushmore Labs is a collaboration between Rachel Rushmore and RJ Rushmore. RJ is a writer and curator with a focus on street art and public space. He has partnered with organizations including Art in Ad Places, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Poster House, and Haverford College. David Wojnarowicz’ “One Day This Kid” was the first piece of visual art to make him cry. Rachel is a writer and lifelong fan of theatre. She “makes the book fairs happen, ” as friends say, working as a project manager for Scholastic. As an amateur historian of queer history, Rachel seeks to preserve Wojnarowicz's invaluable legacy. The Waterfront Journals by David Wojnarowicz is Rushmore Labs’ first production.
Creative Team
RJ RushmoreDirector
Rachel RushmoreProducer
Jessica BeaverStage Manager
Amy WerbeloffActor
Angel SigalaActor
David AllisonActor
Ethan JovanovicActor
Mark FalangoActor
Tommy Sullivan-LovettActor
Don AllenCostumer
Accessibility & Content Considerations
Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.
This event is appropriate for ages 21+ Only
Violent Content
Adult Language
This show contains descriptions of assault, violence, sex, sexual abuse, mental illness, suicide, and other content that attendees may find disturbing.