The Civilians Launch 'Pretty Filthy' Kickstarter Campaign

NEW YORK CITY—The Civilians have launched a Kickstarter campaign to support their upcoming Off-Broadway production Pretty Filthy, a new musical inspired by interviews with the real people of porn. The Civilians have partnered with legends of the XXX industry to offer some once-in-a-lifetime experiences to support the world premiere of this production. Armed with notepads and recorders, The Civilians crossed the mountain range that divides Hollywood from the “other Hollywood”—the San Fernando Valley, world capital of porn. The Civilians’ crew conducted interviews and visited sets to get an insider’s glimpse into a world that is far more than the sum of its (very) visible parts. The creative team learned firsthand that the words of one interviewee, the legendary Nina Hartley, were quite true: “Having sex on camera is far less sexy and far more ridiculous than you might think.” Pretty Filthy is ultimately a story about trying to make a life and a living in an ever-changing world—a task that’s all the more complicated when your work is so intimately tied to customer “satisfaction.” Some highlighted perks include attending a pre-show dinner and performance with a choice of three porn superstars: Nina Hartley, James Deen, or Ginger Lynn. Another unique perk is the opportunity to visit the set of one of Jim Powers’ next films. The highest pledge option offers a donor the opportunity to have a personalized boudoir video shot by director Eli Cross. Donors can also opt for an “anything you want to know” chat via phone with either Eli Cross, Kayden Kross, Lynn Lemay, or Veronica Hart (limited quantities), or a Valentine’s Day card signed by Lynn Lemay, Veronica Hart or Georgina Spelvin. Pledge levels associated with the campaign range from $1 through $10,000, with other perks including an exclusive digital download of behind-the-scenes interview excerpts and photos from The Civilians’ investigation of the porn industry; ticket(s) to a preview performance, including a special gift bag VIP night tickets, which includes a meet-and-greet with director Steve Cosson and members of the cast and creative team; and opening night tickets, including post-show party access. To participate in The Civilians’Pretty Filthy Kickstarter campaign, click here. To date, the campaign has raised over $18,000 of its $25,000 goal; the campaign ends at 8:59 p.m. PST/11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, December 23. “This is by far the most ambitious project The Civilians has undertaken to date,” said Steve Cosson, Artistic Director of The Civilians and Director of Pretty Filthy. “By definition, this is a musical about an industry that is pushing boundaries, taking risks, and overcoming new challenges. Doing honor to this industry and the candid interviews given by insiders is hugely important. Every contribution, no matter the amount, is vitally important and will go directly towards supporting this non-profit production. We invite you to take this leap with us and boldly go where no major musical has ever gone before.” Originally commissioned by the prestigious Center Theater Group in Los Angeles and developed through workshops, residencies, and public presentations, Pretty Filthy will have its world premiere at the Abrons Art Center in New York. The limited engagement runs January 31 through March 1, 2015 with preview performances January 31 through February 7. Pretty Filthy is directed by Steve Cosson, with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman and book by Bess Wohl. For more information about The Civilians, click here. For information about Pretty Filthy, click here. For press inquiries regarding The Civilians’ Pretty Filthy, please email Kelly Shibari.