The “Poetry Brothel,” a uniquely immersive experience that takes poetry outside classrooms and reinvents the brothel model by replacing the traditional “wares” with words, presents a bi-annual evening of performance poetry supported by music, dance, and art with attitude.
Conceived by the Poetry Society of New York, The Poetry Brothel has been successful in NYC, Barcelona, Los Angeles, Chicago and many other cities. It presents poets as high courtesans who impart their work in performance-based readings, but most distinctly, private poetry readings on premises. In this brothel of course, the goods are poetic and intellectual, not carnal – and these goods can be had for a small fee. For $3, an audience member can select a poet for a 3 minute private reading. For many, this intensified experience of poetry is quite personal, meaningful, and memorable.
Central to this experience is the creation of character, which– for poet and audience– functions as both disguise and freeing device, enabling The Poetry Brothel to be a place of uninhibited creative expression.
In addition to this roving band of costumed poets, a variety of dancers, musicians, and various roustabouts help create the celebratory atmosphere and enrich the evening’s experience.
Tickets to Poetry Brothel events cost $10 and are available at the door. Tokens for private readings from troupe members (available throughout the evening) are $3.
A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Blue Butterfly Foundation, supporting rescue and educational efforts for victims of human trafficking in Nepal, teaching young women that their voices are indeed valuable. Your support assists their efforts toward liberty and literacy.
Troupe Members performing on 9/17:
Che La Vie– Gary Seigel (Founder)
Miss Anthropy– Jacqueline Ahl (The Madam)
The Fugitive– Dennis Doherty
Spill De Beans– Philip Levine
Bic Pentameter– Glenn Werner
Musicians:
Jazzabelle de la Faire– Jennifer Lewis Bennett
Pierre de La Mer– Gabriel Dresdale
Dancers:
Lady Ayleeza– Lisa Quattrochi
Jaffi– Julian Broughton
