Welcome to the Poetry Brothel Toronto’s Celebration of the Summer Solstice, withThe Solstice Arts Market and Cabaret
Float into a world where words dance and dreams come with fairy wings at the Solstice Cabaret and Arts Market. Join us on June 20th at Rainhard Brewing Co. for an immersive literary experience like no other.
Solstice Arts Market
4PM to 7PM
Free to enter
Explore our vibrant Arts Market, free for all to enter and perfect for the whole family! Featuring local artisans, poetry readings, face painting, live music, and more, the Arts Market has been specially curated to honour the joyful, playful, and bright energy of the sun.
Then, as the sun lowers himself in the sky and the longest day begins to hint at night…
Solstice Cabaret
8PM to 11:30PM
Ticketed event; Early Bird Tickets Selling Fast!
Let the Poetry Brothel Toronto whisk you away into a realm of otherworldly (and other-word-y) enchantment! Featuring a lineup of mesmerising poets, musicians, and specialty acts, Toronto will be met by the captivating host of the evening, Brendee Green as Madame Titania, Queen of the Faeries. Dive into a whirlwind of creativity with a variety of acts, from the hilarious antics of a sketch duo to the soul-stirring melodies of live music.
This is a ticketed event, and early bird tickets are selling out quickly! VIP tickets include one poker chip, good for a private reading with the poet of your choice, a handmade wearable Solstice souvenir, and a glass of bubbly. Regular admission tickets include entry only, but poker chips will be available for purchase on the night. Early Bird Pricing is available for regular admission tickets for a limited time only.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of the transition from action to nourishment, from Spring to Summer, and secure your tickets now! Let us immerse you in the magic of the summer Solstice with the Poetry Brothel Toronto’s Cabaret and Arts Market.
About the Poetry Brothel
The Poetry Brothel is an immersive literary cabaret; it’s a poetry-focused theatre show!
Originating in New York City in 2007 as an extension of the Poetry Society of New York, visionaries Stephanier Berger and Nicholas Adamski saw a need to make Poetry more exciting, enticing, accessible. inspired by turn of the century New Orleans Bordellos (brothels), with their backroom mystique and subculture attracting artists, miscreants, and folks on the fringes, the Poetry Brothel was born - and has since expanded to cities around the world, including Toronto. The global collection of Poetry Brothels has garnered acclaim for its blend of poetry, performance art, and immersive storytelling, attracting diverse audiences seeking a fresh approach to literary events. The Poetry Brothel Toronto is brought proudly to you in association with the Poetry Society of New York.
About the Poetry Brothel Toronto
This unique chapter of the Poetry Brothel, conceived for Toronto audiences, is the brainchild of Brendee Green. Inspired by her own transformative experiences at the Poetry Brothel Hastings while living in London, England, both as a patron and as a poet, Brendee felt a strong calling to bring the Brothel to Toronto audiences. Struck by the powerful impact upon both audience and performers, Brendee saw this unique application of immersive theatre to poetry as an ideal space to invite, enchant, and impact the multifaceted, multidisciplinary, arts community in Toronto.
Founded in 2023 by Brendee Green, and with collaborative efforts from Toronto Event Producer Naomi Belcamino (Church of Dance, Frolick, Circus Pop Up Bar), the Poetry Brothel Toronto continues the tradition begun by the Poetry Society, reimagining traditional poetry reading experiences in more intimate settings and curating events that transport attendees into a world where poetry, music, and theatricality converge. It is an inclusive and diverse event series which inspires intimacy, sensuality, creativity, and surrender - and it is very hard to describe fully until you have experienced it.
At this fantastical cabaret with a cheeky literary twist, poets embody characters of their own creation, inviting performers and patrons alike to experience poetry from - and in - a safe space of surrender, imagination, and abandon. Each event, meticulously curated and crafted by Brendee, features a diverse lineup of poets, musicians, and performers, creating an unforgettable journey of creative exploration and community connection.
The Poetry Brothel Toronto captivates and inspires costumed guests, with its unique approach to immersive, one-night-only, poetic experiences of artistry and expression, offering enchanting escapes to strange new worlds.
About Brendee Green
Brendee Green is an actor, writer, singer, painter, graphic designer, and producer from Toronto. If you think that list is long, you should see the other “er” things she does and refused to let us include in this biography.
In addition to her ability to captivate brothel revellers as Madame Titania, Brendee Green is also the Artistic Director and Producer of the Poetry Brothel Toronto. Moreover, if you interact with almost any element of a Poetry Brothel Toronto immersive event: you will taste her hand.
Brendee orchestrates the entire process from conception to performance; selecting the theme, scouting, curating, and photographing the venue and lineup; creating and disseminating promotional material, and ensuring a diverse and engaging selection of performers. She pours passion into every production, incorporating every artistic modality at her fingertips. From devising and creating the atmospheric ambiance, to the VIP theme-specific souvenirs and intricate details that have come to be intrinsically associated with the Poetry Brothel Toronto audience’s experiences, Brendee works to make each event singularly spectacular.
Driven by deep desire - to contribute to community, transport audiences through space, time, and reality, and to make poetry exciting and accessible - Brendee invites you into her world, and into the world of the Poetry Brothel.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Arts Market free to enter?
A: Yes, the Arts Market is free for all to enter from 4 to 7 p.m. It's a family-friendly event featuring local artisans, poetry readings, face painting, live music, and more! Beers and snacks will be available for purchase throughout from Rainhard Brewing.
Q: How much are tickets for the cabaret?
A: Ticket prices for the cabaret vary. Early bird regular admission tickets are available, but they're selling out quickly! Check our event page for the latest ticket information.
Q: Do you allow latecomers/late entry to the Cabaret portion?
A: While you will still be admitted into the venue after the start of the show at 8pm, we highly recommend and ask that you arrive on time. As this is an immersive theatre show of unusual proportions and propositions, we have found that attendees who arrive in time for opening ceremonies experience the magic of this immersive night more fully.
Q: What's included in the VIP experience?
A: VIP tickets include one poker chip for private readings, a special souvenir, and an enhanced experience at the cabaret. Get your VIP tickets now for an unforgettable evening!
Q: Is there parking available at the venue?
A: Rainhard Brewing Co. offers limited parking on-site. We recommend carpooling or using public transportation to ensure a smooth arrival.
Q: Can I purchase tickets at the door?
A: While some tickets may be available at the door, we highly recommend purchasing in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially for VIP tickets.
Q: Is the event accessible for individuals with disabilities?
A: Yes, we strive to make our event accessible to all attendees. Please contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility needs, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Q: What should I wear to the Cabaret?
A: Think Black Tie Fairy Core, whatever that means to you. Dress expressively. Let your alter ego choose your outfit. Think fun, flirty, whimsical, colourful, joyful. We suggest you embrace your inner magic and channel your favourite mythical creatures, from fairy or elf, to a creation of your own, connected to sunlight and magic. Be bold as you greet the ethereal ambiance and various treats at the Solstice Cabaret and Arts Market!
Past Events by the Poetry Brothel Toronto
A Midsummer Night's Masquerade
September 9th, 2023
On September 8th, 2023, the Poetry Brothel Toronto made its dazzling debut at COIN8 Studios, enchanting patrons with the theme 'A Midsummer Night's Masquerade.' Introducing the captivating Brendee Green as Toronto’s Brothel Madame, Titania, the Masquerade transported Toronto’s patrons - Janes, Johns, and Joes (gender non-binary) - into a world of intimacy, mystery and magic. Masked and magically attired attendees explored the whimsical ambiance of the evening, delighting in bespoke cocktails, majestical decor, and private readings in the exclusive Whisper Room.
VIP guests were treated to The Poetry Brothel Toronto’s handcrafted masks, initiating Toronto’s tradition of VIP collectible items, now offered at every Brothel. A full lineup of poets and musicians captivated audiences with their performances, while Starlet Satine mesmerized with a spellbinding burlesque act. Attendees indulged in private readings, immersing themselves in personalized poetry experiences. The event also featured a sprawling selfie trap photo space adorned with enchanting handmade art and imagery, inviting guests to capture memories of the night's enchantment.
Poets: Ekko (Ella CM) Tsuramache (Emily Trace), Talons (Mike Schram), Luna Moth (Danielle Hebscher), D’Scribe (Dennis Scherle), Jezy Belle (Jesse Aitchison)
Burlesque: Starlotte Satine
Music: Vivienne Wilder and Gordon Highland
Luna Moth
DJs: Robert Mason and Twilight Music Sculpture
The Roaring Juice Shack
December 1st 2023
The Poetry Brothel Toronto returned On December 1st, 2023 with its second event, 'the Roaring Juice Shack!' Patrons of the Poetry Brothel, dressed in their Gladrags and looking like the bee’s knees, travelled back to the Roaring Twenties. Hosted by Naomi Belcamino as Molly Mayhem at Toronto’s magical Super Wonder Gallery, this 1920s speakeasy-themed extravaganza was a night full of poetry and passions, featuring new additions, both to immersive elements and the lineup.
The Juice Shack was a night of sassy revelry, welcoming returning poets and new talent to the stage, dazzling flappers and sheiks alike with a specially-crafted prohibition-era ambiance. Madame Titania hosted an exclusive pre-show salon for VIP ticket holders, enticing guests with sparkling wine, a mini-photoshoot against our silent film era backdrop, and a tour of the private reading space. It was a chance for guests to immerse themselves in the world of the Poetry Brothel and experience the magic up close. The night continued with a fabulous stage cabaret, replete with audience interaction and the introduction of Jan & George, sketch duo extraordinaire. The Roaring Juice Shack was a celebration of jazz, poetry, and the timeless allure of the Jazz Age.
Hosted by: Molly Mayhem (Naomi Belcamino) and Madame Titania (Brendee Green)
Featured Poets: Ellie Sligo (Shannon Farrell), HB, Ekko (Ella Mazur), Talons (formerly Licorice Mike, Mike Schram)
Musicians: Nathan Beja and Taylor Maslin
Specialty Acts: Knoxx Harter the Cheesecake Darling - Burlesque
Jan & George - Sketch Comedy by Reid Janisse and Oliver Georgiou
DJ: DJ Melectric
GAY Prom!
March 1st, 2024
On March 1st, the Poetry Brothel Toronto sashayed into The Bridge on Adelaide, with a lineup of poets and performers fit for RuPaul's Drag Race with ‘GAY Prom!'
Hosted by the effervescent Madame Titania (Brendee Green), the event welcomed patrons to an unforgettable evening of poetry, music, and dance. Featuring special guest Gay Grandpa (Mr. Dennis Duncan) to kick off the night with a coming out story like no other, GAY Prom! titillated audiences with a diverse lineup of both returning and new poets, and really got the room hot with a Pole Dance performance by Tatagabor, and a Drag Performance by the wonderful returning Ms Jezy Belle.
Hosted by: Madame Titania (Brendee Green)
Featured Poets: Ellie Sligo (Shannon Farrell), Asian Pear (Lia Maston), Mia Farfalle (Amanda Cordner), Jezy Belle (Jesse Aitchison), The Sensual Griever (Mollie Coles Tonne), Tsuramache (Emily Trace)
Musicians: Rose of Sharon, Dave Van Ocean, Stars Corrupt
Specialty Acts: Tawny Tatagabor - Pole Dancer Extraordinaire
Jan & George - Sketch Comedy by Reid Janisse and Oliver Georgiou
Event Venue
Rainhard Brewing Co., 100 Symes Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 0A8, Canada,Toronto, Ontario
Tickets