The Poetry Brothel Is Returning to Denver

The Poetry Brothel returns on May 1, ready to "blow your mind and nothing else," just in case anyone needed the reminder. Like its first local iteration last October, "Lore" is a no-contact event that's all about the seductiveness of language and performance, and any wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am is purely and purposefully poetic.

"Lose yourself in the Lorest," murmurs Melinda Cary, who goes by Madame Cybele CaryMel, "where our Poetry Whores await, ready to enchant you with a twist on the world's oldest profession. Embark on a quest through the ethereal world of Shiki Dreams, where secrets unfold and legendary local poets offer one-on-one private poetry readings — if you dare to seek them. Bards and beasts await in this sensory showcase of dark fae, siren calls, erotic shapeshifters, and our favorite oral tradition… poetry, of course."

According to Cary, one of the best aspects of this second Denver appearance of the Poetry Brothel, the New York-based literary cabaret, is that it's able to support and spotlight one of the city's immersive art spaces. "While I do want to maintain relationships to those amazing venues we connect with, I also want to bring audiences to these spaces that fellow artists have so beautifully created. That's why I'm so excited to be hosting at Prismajic," she says.

Prismajic is the brainchild of co-founder Jennifer Mosquera, who leads a team of artists, creatives and craftspeople in creating experiences that help people connect to the world in new ways...at Colorado Mills, of all places. They combine cutting-edge tech and physical artistry to bring to life spaces of great wonder, discovery and joy; their current production, Shiki Dreams, will serve as a backdrop to the Poetry Brothel's performance.
"We came up with the theme for this show, 'Lore,' to match up with the venue," says Cary. "It's very mystical, very magical. The people who put it together are just brilliant. It explodes with creativity and potential. So much to explore—and our Poetry Whores will be inhabiting in different rooms that speak to what they do and how they do it. It's really a two-for-one; you get to enjoy these amazing spaces, and by spending a token, you can also explore the little nests created by each vibrant and dazzling performer. It's such a beautiful thing."

Some of the profit from the show will go to organizations concerned with sex worker advocacy. "We're also focusing on supporting consent culture," Cary says. "I mean, we're hosting a brothel, right? But the rules of engagement are clearly very different. We're inviting a certain level of intimacy, and at the same time, educating people, I hope, on what consent really is. We need to reprogram some of our old learned beliefs around what's okay and what's not."

Safety is a big priority for both Cary and the Poetry Brothel. "We do everything to provide a safe space for our guests, and for our performers, both," she notes. "We're also prioritizing ADA compliance, which has limited some of our venue possibilities, but it's important. Inclusivity is absolutely an important part of what we do."

But intimacy, Cary stresses, is the right term for what the Poetry Whores offer. "It's non-physical, but still very potent and juicy. There's a lot of arousal to be found. This is going to be a special event. The space is amazing, the poets are profoundly impressive, and our guests always surprise us in the best ways. Every event is different. It's a completely organic process. It's a unique experience every time, whether you've done it before or not, whether you're coming with your friends or just solo. It's an experience not to be missed.

"And I have to say," Cary smiles, "it's probably the best date night idea in Denver these days. Just saying."

The Poetry Brothel's "Lore," 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Prismajic in the Colorado Mills Mall, 14500 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood. General admission ($30) gets you into the Woods; VIP ($75) includes preferred seating, an immersive experience token and some mysterious "additional surprises". For tickets and more information, see the eventbrite page.