The Poetry Brothel Boston: Scream, Queen!

Event Details

• Age Requirement: 21+
• Doors Open: 7:30 PM
• Show Time: 8:00 - 10:00 PM
• Dance Party & Private Readings: 10:00 - 11:00 PM
• Costume Contest: Dress up as your favorite Scream Queen or Horror Movie villain. Vintage formal wear, queer prom attire, or anything fabulous will earn you a nod from The Madam.

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This October, meet us under the pig’s blood for a glittering extravaganza of literary naughtiness. It’s time for the Halloween edition of The Poetry Brothel, an immersive literary cabaret! The call is coming from inside the hoes. The poetry hoes, that is.

At The Poetry Brothel, a “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.

Artists performing with the Brothel reflect the diverse identities of our city. Cis and trans women, cis and trans men, genderqueer, genderfluid, and nonbinary folks, people of color, queer, straight, emerging, established, local, and international poets make up our cabinet of poetry whores and brothel beauties. Their alter-egos may be faeries, sirens, witches, aliens, divas, royalty, demons, ancient forests, and everything in between. Some of the artists within The Poetry Brothel universe perform sex work in their off-hours (but not at this event!). The Poetry Brothel uses its platform to support sex workers and to educate audiences about the sex industry. A portion of proceeds from the evening's festivities will go to the Boston Sex Worker and Ally Coalition.

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.

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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, staff, or the Madam Herself without delay.

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

COVID-19 Precautions: Masking is encouraged but not required. We 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 [email protected].

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

Get your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable night of poetry, performance, and Halloween magic!

Event Venue

Upstairs at Bow, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville, United States