PETER HUJAR (1934–1987)

Ethyl Eichelberger (1945–1990), born to Amish parents as James Roy Eichelberger, was a flamboyant American actor, writer and drag performer in the 1970s–1980s. At one time Eichelberger was a member of Charles Ludlam's 'Ridiculous Theatrical Company' where he both acted and designed wigs. As the creator of more than thirty plays throughout his career, several of which he was the sole performer in, Eichelberger inventively portrayed an impressive range of characters including Casanova, Medusa and Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. Hujar was a great fan of Eichelberger's performances and photographed him on several occasions, variously costumed. In the present portrait, Eichelberger is clothed in Jean Paul Gaultier and embodies a playful caricature of high fashion. The image appeared in a Dianne B. advertisement that ran in Interview magazine.