Charles Bukowski was reluctant to perform live poetry readings, but audiences thought he was joking. He only did readings for a few hundred dollars, but by 1980, his book royalties and other income allowed him to focus on writing. His performances were legendary, featuring anarchy and goading the audience to mutiny. The last poetry reading he gave, on March 31st, 1980, at the Sweetwater Inn in Redondo Beach, California, was filmed and remained in storage for over 25 years before being presented here for the first time.
The Last Straw
In this film, celebrated beat-era poet Charles Bukowski takes the stage to deliver a live reading of his work, engaging in dynamic and infamous exchanges with the audience.
