Discovering the Enchantment of Poetry Brothel Events

A Journey into the World of Poetry

written by Brendee Green; Madame Titania, PBTO Producer

I first experienced a Poetry Brothel event while living in London, England. A close friend of mine, Aisha Kent, invited me to this unique poetry event. We had performed together in a month-long run of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at the Courtyard Theatre in North London. Aisha played Calpurnia, and I took on the role of Portia.

To be honest, I don’t recall how she described the event. But when you spend a month performing a Shakespearean tragedy with someone and still enjoy their company, you’re likely to attend whatever show they recommend.

The Cast of Julius Caesar at the Courtyard Theatre in 2017. From left to right: Mitch Howell, Lanre Danmola, Matty McCabe, Brendee Green, William Vercelli, Kerry Fitzgerald, Chris Jones, Aisha Kent, Tom Isted.

Aisha wasn’t performing as a poet that night. Instead, she was assisting the Madame of the Brothel, selling poker chips for private readings. I was unsure of what this meant, but I was excited. The idea of dressing up and wandering the cobblestone streets of London to a back-alley pub on a centuries-old street thrilled me. I was ready to experience something new with my dear friend.

The Allure of Alter Egos

At the event, participants and attendees were encouraged to create ands play in personal alter egos. Aisha shared that she had the freedom to develop her character as an extension of her writing. Her chosen alter ego is named Sauvage De Sade. The idea of stepping into a different persona, even for a night, appealed - and still appeals - greatly to me.

Creating an alter ego allows individuals to explore different facets of their personality. It can be liberating to step outside of your everyday self and embrace a character that embodies your hidden desires or artistic inclinations. This transformative experience is at the heart of the Poetry Brothel.

The Atmosphere of the Poetry Brothel

The ambiance of the Poetry Brothel is unlike any other I have experienced. As I entered the venue, I was enveloped in a warm, inviting space, its attendees humming with excitement and anticipation. The dim lighting, vintage decor, and soft music created an intimate setting. It felt as though I had stepped into another era, something long gone, when people didn't have phones or televisions and live performances were events of the season, things to look forward to being fully present at.

The attendees were a mix of poets, artists, and curious souls. Everyone seemed eager to engage with the performances and each other. The energy in the room was palpable, and I could sense the excitement building as the show began.

Engaging with Poetry

Poets performed in costume, in character, each with their own alter ego evolved as an extension of their own writing.

I was struck by how personal and intimate the performances felt, poets unbound from pages by having memorized their work. The audience was breathless at times, and no one had to be reminded not to talk. Everyone was present.

During private readings, poets whispered and patrons listened, soft fabrics separating one reading space from another. It was magical.

The Role of the Madame

The Madame of the Brothel plays a crucial role in the evening's success. She guides the event by introducing participating performers, establishing the rules of engagement, and maintaining the energy of the entire affair.

As Aisha assisted London's Madame, I could see the camaraderie between them. It was clear that the Madame was not just a figurehead but an integral part of the Poetry Brothel's community. Her leadership fosters an environment where creativity thrives. It can be noted that, at the time, I had absolutely no intention of taking on this kind of responsibility...

A night I'll never forget.

I lost myself in the experience. The combination of poetry, performance, unique atmosphere, and opportunity to dress up in costume (I live by the motto, "low key costumes all year round"), inspired and titillated my imagination.

The Poetry Brothel is more than a poetry reading; it is a celebration of creativity and self-expression. It encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Who is Sauvage De Sade?

(quoted from Aisha’s Instagram)

“She has a sense of permanence in the shadows of history.

From opium dens in Hong Kong, to the bordellos of New Orleans she has been sighted across continents and centuries.

First recorded as the property of a French slave ship in 1752 that mysteriously sank, Sauvage was found washed up on a beach by the Marquis de Sade. Being talented in black magic and scrying, she became his personal advisor on matters of the occult. It is rumored she alerted the authorities to his whereabouts when he was arrested for sexual depravity.

Sauvage disappeared with a considerable amount of wealth and was not heard of again until 1817. She was lover and advisor of Lord Bryon during his infamous time in Venice.

In 1895 Sauvage appeared in London, where she was the mistress of Florence Farr and performed the role of the temple high priests in Farrs Egyptian mythical play the "Beloved of Hathor".

An enigma, a shadow cast by a voodoo doll.

A Savage woman with a savage tongue.”

My first experience of the Poetry Brothel London that night changed my world. And if you have been to a Poetry Brothel Toronto (PBTo for short) event and been moved by it in any way, perhaps it changed yours, too. 

I have always written poetry; I have been keeping a journal since I could write, and maintained daily entries since I was fourteen years old. Seriously. I have BOXES of journals in storage, and more on shelves. I chose Poetry and Prose writing courses for my electives, both in high school and in university. 

As a young adult I was more excited by song lyrics, beat poetry, and surrealism than partying. I climbed trees with a book and my journal tucked into my crossbody bookbag and a black ballpoint pen stuck through my ponytail. A millennial preferring pen and paper to laptops and lattes, I was never anyone’s first pick for their basketball team, and I never found a school club that offered me a sense of belonging. My high school friend group was split between a musical theatre junkies crew, and a core group of philosophical hippies who enjoyed laying in the grass, smoking joints on a summer’s day, waxing poetical about adolescence, and singing along to The Smiths. 

And, suddenly in my late twenties, I was swallowed whole, submerged and immersed into the Poetry Brothel. In London. Listening to poetry and music in a dimly lit cocktail bar filled with like-minded poets, musicians, philosophers, and thinkers costumed in lingerie, tophats, and dreams. Private readings with poets happened behind the stage, through a maze of floating swathes of fabric, in candle light. When I partook of one poet’s offerings, I was asked whether I consented to being blindfolded, and found myself further immersed. With that hint of sensory deprivation and her accented voice speaking softly in my ear, I fell deeper into the world of words that had always beckoned to me. 

I found a home. Thank goodness for Aisha.

She introduced me to singer, songwriter, and poet Gabriel Moreno, who invited me to perform at the next Poetry Brothel London event. 

Okay, confession time: I am obsessed with mermaids and fae-folk. Always have been. So while I was on the other side of the pond and developing my performing poet character for the Poetry Brothel London, it seemed only natural to me to be a Siren. Hence, Serena Wild was born.

Serena Wild was a siren of the sea, whose song had been putting sailors in trances for centuries. Sometimes she spoke her poetry, sometimes she sang, accompanied by the wind flapping against invisible sails or the muted sound of sea glass turning over shells in the tides as they pulled her in toward the shore. 

But she had a short life. I moved back to Toronto after participating in only a few Poetry Brothel London performances.

While Serena Wild found herself on the ocean floor of my consciousness, the Poetry Brothel was near the front of my mind. Through my move back to Canada, various forms of employment, a couple romantic partners, and several moves of house throughout Toronto, along with Global Pandemic, the Poetry brothel kept nagging at me.

Why didn’t we have one here, in Toronto? The Poetry Brothel began in 2007 in New York City, produced in association with the Poetry Society of New York. By the time I got in touch with Stephanie Berger, the CEO of PSNY and co-creator of the Poetry Brothel (along with the fabulous Nicholas Adamski), the Poetry Brothel already had chapters in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Madrid, London, Amsterdam, Mexico City, and, oddly Edmonton Alberta, among other places globally…

But not in Toronto? Seriously? We’re the closest major city, and a theatre city at that!

I kept thinking about starting it, putting out feelers to venues, pitching it to friends. Everyone I spoke to thought it was interesting, but just as I started thinking, “maybe now is the time to start this thing,” the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. It certainly wasn’t the time for immersive events in intimate settings. I put the idea on hold.

Until June of 2023, just before my birthday and the summer solstice collided, along with the inspiration to reignite this pursuit. 

But how did the idea become a reality? How did I finally come to scratch the itch that was the Poetry Brothel Toronto, the urge to start this immersive literary cabaret that I had repressed for almost five years since returning to Canada?

Stay tuned, lovelies. This story is a long one but a good one, so I’m breaking it up for you. Come back soon for Part II, and I’ll tell you all about the poverty, depression, soul searching, and creative problem-solving that led to the birth of PBTo and its Madame, Titania, Queen of the Fairies. 

Xoxo

Brendee/Madame Titania

Embracing Creativity

My first experience at a Poetry Brothel event was transformative. It opened my eyes to the beauty of poetry and the power of alter egos. I encourage everyone to seek out such experiences. They can lead to profound connections and inspire creativity in unexpected ways.

Whether you are a poet, an artist, or simply someone looking for a unique night out, the Poetry Brothel offers something special. It invites you to embrace your creativity and explore the depths of your imagination.

So, if you ever have the chance to attend a Poetry Brothel event, in any city, don’t hesitate. You might just discover a new passion or a hidden talent.

The magic of the Poetry Brothel lies in its ability to bring people together through the art of poetry. It is a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that we all have stories worth sharing.