The Poetry Brothel: Spellbound

Welcome to the Show!

Spellbound

A spark of seduction, a kiss of old toad, a journey down an untravelled road. Conjure a realm of enchantment where words slip off page’s edge—until your fantasies dance alive before your very eyes at this seductive Immersive Cabaret blurring the lines of performance and play.

The allure of these sultry specters creates a magic so enticing, our poets possess powers to undress your mind and plunge into your innermost desires—leaving you Spellbound.

Madness and genius dance a lover’s tango here, so cast off your sense of reality and revel in life’s most mesmerizing mysteries with us. Fear not if these gifts of sorcery and bewitching fate arouse your spirits. Be you a mystic, occultist, or mere mortal—step behind the veil for a thrilling exploration of the unseen side of this wild world.

Enter The Poetry Brothel. A glamorous cabaret featuring the most thought-provoking, thrill-arousing poets accompanied by burlesque dancers, variety acts, mystics, and a live jazz band. Plus, there are opportunities to choose your own adventure, have unique and mysterious encounters, and connect with dazzling artists along the way.

Adorn yourself in your witchiest, wyrdest, and most wonderful halloween mystical attire to truly become a player in this sultry affair.

Join San Diego’s sizzling debut show at Park & Rec, a venue reminiscent of the glamorous nightlife of Bourbon Street, nestled in University Heights for an unforgettable immersive literary cabaret show.

Be sure to arrive on time to join our cocktail hour featuring specialty cocktails and intimate chances to mingle with the cast.

“And above all watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” - Roald Dahl

Immerse Yourself

Tonight is your night to discover something new and beautiful within yourself.

Arrive ready to express yourself to the fullest. You can dress the part, make up an elaborate backstory, and have a mission of your own for the night. Are you an all-seeing oracle, diva of divination, tempting trickster, mythical being, entity from beyond, gothic bruja, or stoic wisdom keeper? You choose what magic you possess!

Find costume inspiration in our Mood Board Here. We highly encourage you to dress to impress. Vintage fashion, evening formal wear, characters, costumes, silk, lace, and lingerie are all fabulous choices.

Indulge in opportunities to receive private poetry readings, sit with Tarot readers, mystics and other vendors by purchasing Tokens on-site.

💫 Show Schedule

1. Doors & Cocktail Hour – 7:00 PM
2. Show – 8:00 PM sharp
3. After Party – 11:00 PM – 12 AM

What is The Poetry Brothel?

The Poetry Brothel is a 17-year-running immersive literary cabaret with chapters across the country—including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Boston—and even around the globe.

Blending poetry and vaudeville, intimacy and immersion, cabaret and activism, The Poetry Brothel is a show like no other. Whether you're a poet yourself, a fan of the art, or a lover of theatre, immersive experiences, or club culture—this show has something to delight everyone. The “Madam” presents a rotating cast of poets “erupting into verse in public and luring guests into back rooms for private readings,” as described in The New Yorker.

We are a collective of artists and poets with a mission to uplift our communities. We honor the sacred tradition of sex work by casting current and former sex workers, sparking conversations to destigmatize sex work, educating our audiences on consent and current issues in sex work, and donating a portion of all profits to GLITS (Gays & Lesbians in a Transgender Society). We aim to foster a safe space for sex workers, our LGBTQIA+ community, and our greater community of artists.

Starring

Madame Lalita as the enchanting temptress behind this sexy operation.

Your Heart-Throb Poets

Burlesque & Variety Acts

Live Jazz

About The Poetry Brothel:

1. This is a 21+ event.
2. Our show includes flashing lights, reasonably amplified music, fog effects, and possibly a startling glimpse of your true self.
3. Consent is sacred: Always ask before touching anyone. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please report it immediately to security, staff, or the Madam herself.

"Prepare to have your expectations exceeded." – LA Weekly

The Poetry Brothel is brought to you by The Poetry Society of New York.Become a PSNY member for exclusive perks like early ticket access, discounts, and free entry to select events: poetrysocietyny.org/join.