How to Become a Poetry Whore
By Steve Gillman - November 11, 2014
 I
wouldn't normally use the word "whore" to describe
anyone, but that's how poets at "poetry brothels" identify
themselves, so I'll go with their preferred title. But what is
a poetry brothel? What are poetry whores? How do they make money?
How do you become one of them?
(Flickr photo by Pauline Balba)
Let's answer those questions by starting at the beginning.
In 2007 Nicholas Adamski and Stephanie Berger decided that the
New York poetry scene was "boring," and they wanted
to do something about it. Their solution was to start The Poetry Brothel, where they are now known
as "Tennessee Pink" and "The Madame."
Customers come to events to see and hear poets onstage, and
for one-to-one readings in the back rooms of the "brothel."
The poetry whores who read to them are both male and female,
and can accept tips or make sales of their books if they impress
clients. Clothes stay on, which probably makes this less profitable
than work in an ordinary brothel, but the policy keeps the poets
safe and focused on their poems.
In addition to the stage readings and private encounters there
are "spontaneous eruptions of poetry" from time to
time. The brothel's website explains that it's a "unique
and immersive poetry event that takes poetry outside classrooms
and lecture halls and places it in the lush interiors of a bordello."
One of the more fascinating parts of the experience is that
the poets each adopt a persona that they have created, and they
stay in character throughout the event. For example, the Meet
the Whores page on the website has a description for one
of the poets that starts out like this:
Ursula Giovanna de Gassion, a pale, devastated whore, was
born in Paris and orphaned at an early age. She grew up on the
streets and as soon as she reached her teen years she became
a heartbreaker. Every one of Ursula's lovers has committed suicide.
"The Butler" as one poet is called, "is adored
by children though can't quite figure why." Rumors say he
shot a woman and he engages in amateur psychoanalysis. Other
descriptions are equally flamboyant. Clearly this is a job for
creative people, and perhaps for those who love to perform as
much as they love to write.
Ready to Become a Poetry Whore?
Are you ready to cash in on your poetry in this interesting
and unusual way? You do not have to move to New York. There are
others around the country. Here are four links to the websites
or pages for some of them:
http://www.neworleanspoetrybrothel.com/
http://www.chicagopoetrybrothel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PhillyPoetryBrothel
https://www.facebook.com/PoetryBrothelLosAngeles
If you want to take your show on the road you can also apply
to participate in poetry brothels in Montreal Canada and in Madrid Spain.
For the Love of Poetry
This is a job for poets who love language and performing;
by all indications you won't make much money. For example, in
an essay titled "Pimp My Poem," Kathleen Rooney refers
to a "$5-per-poem fee." Most other sources of information
do not mention how much a poet can make in tips and books sales.
It is also difficult to get information on how to get hired
or invited to participate at a poetry brothel, although the original
Poetry
Brothel in New York says it's "always seeking submissions
from new potential poetry whores." Here is a portion of
its "Call for Poets:"
Do you enjoy reading poetry in your bedroom at home? Have
you ever put on a costume and changed your name? Would you like
a glass of absinthe right now? If so, please send up to 5 pages
of poetry, a "character" bio (this need not contain
any factual information), and a photo of yourself to The Madame
at info@thepoetrybrothel.com.
You could also start your own poetry brothel, which probably
has more revenue potential than performing in one. But The
Poetry Society of New York, LLC has trademarked the name
"poetry brothel" and has even had a
legal battle with the organizers of the Chicago Poetry
Brothel. So don't use that name.
Of course a milder name, like "poetry gathering"
could take away some of the appeal. Maybe "poetry whore
house" would work well enough. Or you could call yourself
the "Poetry Pimp" and send poets out for private readings
when clients contact you by phone. Then again, that sounds a
bit too close to some other line or work.
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