Our sultry Valentine’s Edition of The Poetry Brothel, an immersive theater show set inside an illustrious turn-of-the-century bordello!
Sweetly slip past silken veils of adoration to enter our hidden temple of desire.
Fall to your knees in reverence of the innate beauty romance dares to inspire. Worship at the ever-glimmering altar of love. Adore the secret musings of lovestruck hearts that only our most brazen poets will profess for your listening pleasure.
During our sultry Valentine’s Edition of this immersive theater show set inside an illustrious turn-of-the-century bordello, abandon reason and become swept up in your own holy ache for more – more intimacy, more lust; more impact, more revelation.
Enter The Poetry Brothel.
A glamorous cabaret featuring the most thought-provoking, thrill-arousing poets accompanied by burlesque dancers, variety acts, and a live jazz band. Plus, there are opportunities to choose your own tantalizing adventure, have sublime and mysterious encounters, and connect with dazzling artists along the way.
The Experience
Immersive Cocktail Hour with the Characters
Live Stage Show with Seductive Poetry, Ritual Theater & Vaudeville
Intimate Private Poetry Readings
Interactive Vendors: Intimacy Oracle, Typewriter Poetry, Mystics, Tarot Reading, Featured Art
Live Cabaret-Inspired Jazz Band
Afterparty
Bring your beloved or let us awaken a lost lovesong humming in the depths of your heart, as we weave words of wisdom and woe, whimsy and wicked fantasy into an ephemeral evening of splendor all our own.
“Come out here where the roses have opened. Let soul and world meet.” – Rumi
Space for this experience is limited to one night only. Will you devote to your delight with a decadent evening of literary luminosity?
The Details
Age Requirement: 21+
Doors & Cocktail Hour: 7:00 PM
Show & Private Readings: 8:00 PM
After Party: 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Dress Code: Dress to impress. Costumes, vintage fashion, evening formal wear, silk, lace, and lingerie are all fabulous choices.
Consent is Sweet
Good manners never go out of style! Behave with beauty and connect with care. The Poetry Brothel is a no-contact event, here to tickle your mind, heart, and spirit—nothing else! Always ask before touching anyone in our house, and report any discomfort to staff without delay.
Accessibility
We are wheelchair accessible and will have ADA seating available. We cultivate a space of radical self-expression and inclusivity. We offer a limited number of Pay What You Wish tickets for those facing financial insecurity. Please reach out to sarina@poetrysocietyny.org with any questions or accessibility requests. Our show includes flashing lights, reasonably amplified music, fog machines, and even a startling glimpse of your true nature.
What is The Poetry Brothel?
At The Poetry Brothel, the “Madam” presents a rotating cast of poets, artists, and artisans who operate within self-constructed characters, “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 a disguise and a freeing device, enabling The Poetry Brothel to be a place of uninhibited creative expression where artists and audience members alike can communicate more authentically.
The Poetry Brothel San Diego is brought to you by The Poetry Society of New York, 501(c)3. Become a PSNY member for access to discounted and/or free tickets to future Poetry Brothel events—and so much more.
Learn more at: https://poetrysocietyny.org/join
"Prepare to have your expectations exceeded." – LA Weekly