The Poetry Brothel is an immersive literary cabaret that fuses poetry, activism, vaudeville, burlesque & magic with 1-on-1 poetry readings.

FLASH SALE - Use code FEVAH for $10 off any ticket level until 2/11 at 11am.

This Valentine's Day, slip beneath the conscious into the realm of fantasy with The Poetry Brothel. The subliminal will surface as our poets make nocturnal admissions.

At The Poetry Brothel, a “madam” presents a rotating cast of poets, artists, and artisans who operate within self-constructed character, “erupting into verse in public and luring guests into back rooms for private readings,” as described in The New Yorker. Central to The Poetry Brothel experience is the creation of character, which for each artist serves as disguise and freeing device, enabling The Poetry Brothel to be a place of uninhibited creative expression in which artists and audience members alike can communicate more authentically.

Artists performing with the Brothel are women, men, folx, people of color, queer, straight, emerging, established, local, and international. Their alter-egos are faeries, sea creatures, witches, aliens, virgins, whores, and everything in between. Some of the artists within The Poetry Brothel universe perform sex work in their off-hours. The Poetry Brothel uses its platform to support sex workers and to educate audiences about the sex industry.

DETAILS

Venue: Upstairs at Bow

1 Bow Way Somerville MA

Handicap-accessible venue

This event is 21+

We offering two shows on one night. When purchasing tickets, please select EITHER the 6:00pm show OR the 9:00pm show. The schedule is as follows:

For the FIRST SHOW, Doors open at 6:00pm. The show begins promptly at 6:30pm and ends at 8:30pm.

For the SECOND SHOW, Doors open at 9:00pm. The show begins at 9:30pm and ends at 11:30pm.

In addition to its poets, The Poetry Brothel presents artists and activists working in a variety of mediums both on stage and through its ever-changing array of intimate, interactive, and creative services.

On Consent: Behave with beauty, connect with intention. We are, by and large, a no-contact event -- here to blow your mind and nothing else! Always ask before touching anyone in our House, and report any discomfort to security or staff or the Madam Herself without delay.

Our show may include flashing lights, reasonably amplified music, and a startling glimpse of your true self.

Masking is encouraged but not required. W e request that all audience members be vaccinated against COVID-19. By purchasing a ticket, you confirm that you have been vaccinated. On the day of the show, if you feel unwell or have been exposed to COVID, please do not attend (though we will miss you!).

Please see our FAQs for answers to common questions.

Questions or inspirations? Want to Sponsor our event or table at the event? Reach out to Madam Betty BOOM at shari@poetrysocietyny.org.

Follow us on Instagram @poetrybrothelboston for updates and sneak peeks!