The Phoenicia Playhouse proudly presents the first “Radio X Film” themed screening of our 50th Season - the Award-Winning 2013 Documentary Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker, directed by Lily Keber.
Sunday, April 26th - Matinee @ 2:00 pm
Tickets available at the door or in advance here: https://our.show/radioxfilm-bayou-maharajah-screening
There will be an optional post-show discussion of the film, facilitated by Phoenicia Playhouse staff.
*** This film contains mature themes, including substance use, alcohol, and language. Viewer discretion is advised for children younger than 13 years old. ***
Bayou Maharajah explores the life and music of New Orleans piano legend James Booker, the man Dr. John described as "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced." A brilliant pianist, his eccentricities and showmanship belied a life of struggle, prejudice, and isolation. Illustrated with never-before-seen concert footage, rare personal photos and exclusive interviews, the film paints a portrait of this overlooked genius.
Director’s Statement from Lily Keber:
“James Booker was, first and foremost, one of America’s finest and most innovative musicians. But as a gay, bipolar Black man with one eye and a drug and alcohol problem, Booker was never going to make it to prime time. Yet in spite of all that – or perhaps because of it – his music pushes the boundaries of what is possible on the piano with an intricacy that surpasses Chopin. It was this complexity that attracted me to Booker. I needed to find out how a man could be both barely tolerated and completely loved – and how his music might make that possible.”
“A must-see for aficionados of New Orleans jazz, it’s also accessible to viewers who don’t know a Professor Longhair from a Dr. John.”
- The Hollywood Reporter
“With many different levels of appeal, this film is highly fascinating on a universal scale, whether you’re a musician or not – and deserves to go very, very far. It’s incredibly well-researched, cheeky, and completely addictive viewing.”
- Kai Hoffman, UK Jazz News
The goal of our Radio X Film Series is to explore examples of significant intersections between these two mediums. In this instance, the film focuses on the story and legacy of a musician whose life was deeply intertwined with radio broadcasting starting in his early teen years. James Booker’s music is regularly played on New Orleans stations to this day - especially on WWOZ 90.7 FM, a listener-supported station that maintains an archive of thousands of live broadcasts by New Orleans musicians.
