A Midsummer Night’s Masquerade Transported You to a World Full of Art, Magic, and Possibility

By: Curtis Sindrey –
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TORONTO, ON. – Sept. 08 – A Midsummer Night’s Masquerade at Coin 8 in Toronto, Ontario on September 08, 2023. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)

A Midsummer Night’s Masquerade, a wonderfully engaging evening of art, transformed Coin 8 in Toronto into a playground of the senses on Friday night (Sept. 8th).

First established in New York by the Poetry Society of New York, A Midsummer Night’s Masquerade marks the first Toronto appearance of the Poetry Brothel, an immersive experience that fuses poetry, activism, vaudeville, burlesque, live music, visual art, magic, mysticism, and private, one-on-one poetry experiences.

Described as a “immersive literary cabaret”, A Midsummer Night’s Masquerade was a whirlwind journey into a world of poetry, burlesque, DJs, live music, and everything in between, that allowed attendees to show their true selves. Donning opulent masquerade masks (think Eyes Wide Shut), it added an extra layer of mystique and intrigue to the festivities.

It was a delight to observe the outfits chosen by every attendee. The experience was enhanced by everyone dressing to the nines, from two piece suits to flowy dresses, to what can best be described as ‘runway-ready nymph’.

Starlotte Satine provided a sultry burlesque performance that kept everyone in the room glued to her movements. The sexy, seductive performance set the right mood for the rest of the evening.

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Vivienne Wilder showcased a hard to pin down sound (think folk-punk) and a strong stage presence.

The poet lineup was STACKED with with several multidisciplinary artists that ranged from musicians, painters, and actors including Brendee Green as Madame Titania, Ella Mazur as The Moon, Mike Schram as Licorice Mik, Danielle Hebscher as Luna Moth, Dennis/D’Scribe as D’Scribe, Emily Trace as Tsuramache, and Jesse Aitchinson as Jezy Belle. It was refreshing to hear all of the emerging and established artistic talent in one room. You were transported through a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the evening. This night’s poetry about life, love, death, happiness, and millennial relationships proved that Toronto’s art scene is alive and well.

The evening was capped off by DJs Robert Mason and Sean O’Brian (aka Twilight Music Sculpture) with a powerful DJ set that kept the crowd moving until the very end. The perfect conclusion to a great evening was achieved by combining O’Brian’s patented atmospheric and downtempo house music with Mason’s classical violin. As the room filled with lasers and smoke and banging beats, you were glued to the dance floor.

If ever an opportunity comes along to attend the next Poetry Brothel, or an event produced by the ultra talented event producer Naomi Belcamino (The Dusty Star Diner, Carnival Bar, Church of Dance), or Brendee Green, do yourself a favour and experience something you’ll never forget.