On December 1, 2023, the Poetry Brothel Toronto coaxed audiences into the Jazz Age with The Roaring Juice Shack, a raucous 1920s cabaret set in a world of bootlegged verse and speakeasy seduction.

 

Hosted by the inimitable Naomi Belcamino as Madame Molly Mayhem, this one-night-only affair transformed the Super Wonder Gallery into a clandestine den of poetry, music, and revelry. 

​

Madamie Titania, the Brothel's usual host, took the early evening off to receive VIPs in the Whisper Room downstairs, take their photos, and ply them with bubbly.

 

A dazzling lineup of poets took the stage, including Mike Schram performing as Licorice Mike (or Talons), Ella Mazur as Ekko, and Harley Quinn as HB - spinning words as smooth as contraband liquor. We introduced Shannon Farrell as Ellie Sligo, a classic Irish Catholic queer who sins throughout the week and finds absolution on Sundays. Poetry Brothel favourites delivered their signature poetic decadence, weaving verse between sultry burlesque performances by Knox Harter, The Cheesecake Darling, and Amber Lesk.

 

Setting the perfect mood, Nathan Beha and Taylor Maslin’s jazz duo transported guests to an era where art and excess ruled the night.