The Chronicle

Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: News
Last update: 2/4/08 at 6:55 AM EST

Media Credit: Lawson Kurtz The Sex Workers' Art Show put on performances by current and former prostitutes, adult-film stars and exotic dancers in Reynolds Theater Sunday to promote discussions about women's issues on campus.

Some students may be familiar with watching sex workers bare all-but probably not through poetry.

The Sex Workers' Art Show-a cabaret-style collection of performances by current and former prostitutes, adult-film stars and exotic dancers-riveted a crowd of students and community members in the Bryan Center's Reynolds Theater Sunday night.

Hot pink-haired host and show founder Annie Oakley kicked off the show by leading the audience in a chant of "naked ladies."

The remainder of the event featured political statements, musical theater, a mild dominatrix act, the elaborate removal of clothing and an anal sparkler for the grand finale. Audience member reactions ranged from rowdy cheers to awkward silences.

Junior Martha Brucato spent 11 months raising funds for the free show in hopes of initiating discussions about sexuality and the way women's bodies are often seen as commodities-issues she said are rarely brought up on campus.

"When people are exposed to something so different from what they are used to, it will get them talk about these things," Brucato said.

The Sex Workers' Art Show originated in Olympia, Wash., in 1997 as an annual local event. It is now on its sixth tour, planning to hit 36 venues in 42 days.

Oakley, a former sex worker, founded the show in response to her reactions that her previous job was antifeminist and degrading-assumptions she described as sexist and classist.

Although the performances usually feature more nudity and explicit content, the show was toned down so that a tape could be be sent to the College of William of Mary, a future venue, as proof that it does not include obscenity, Brucato said. The anticipation of the show has aroused controversy, according to media reports.

Brucato added that she was disappointed that she did not see the show in its typical form but said she hopes it will become an annual event at Duke.

Audience member Susan Davis, a junior, said she was impressed by the display of talent. "I liked how it was funny but also introspective," she said.

Abbie Turiansky, a graduate student in public policy, also had a positive reaction to the show, noting that it brought something out of the ordinary to the University.

"Things like this were more common when I was an undergraduate, but it's something Duke students aren't exposed to as much," she said.

Oakley said the show has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and the majority of negative comments have come from people who have not seen it.

Comparing the sex industry to other industries, Oakley said Americans shun knowing the origins of their goods and services.

"Hearing these stories punctures a mass suspension of disbelief related to the sex industry," she said. "I would love to see a food-service workers' art show, but I doubt that would draw people to theaters."

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