Whore’s Eye View is a unique event, more of a lecture on the history of women’s sexuality than the personal monologue one would expect from a sex-worker. Now at HERE Arts Center as part of an international tour, and directed by Katherine Wilkinson, writer/performer Kaytlin Bailey literally starts from the Fertility Goddesses and biblical Lilith, Isis and Gilgamesh, and arrives to today’s dangerous abortion’s bans in less than 80 minutes. Passing through Greece where sacred prostitution was a common practice, and the Inquisition, when every woman could be accused of being a prostitute and/or a witch and be executed. She is neither Dr. Ruth Westheimer nor Xaviera Hollander (The Happy Hooker); her viewpoint is completely socio-historical.
Bailey immediately takes away all misconceptions: she was never poor, she is educated, she chose to become a sex-worker, she is loved by her friends and family, and she has a normal life. I hope a lot of writers will go see her show because sex-workers are always portrayed as dim-wits, drug addicts, shifty, or, if rich, unscrupulous, even criminal, ladder climbers. Bailey is definitely the opposite of these stereotypes. The segments about her relationship with her father, who passed recently and who saw her uniqueness since she was a child, caring for her unconditionally, are the best part of the show. Through memories they shared, advices he gave her, she conveys her grief and pride. Social issues like the decriminalization of sex work so workers can have access to justice and health care, destigmatization, physical safety, social exclusion, are also brought up and discussed in stand up fashion.
If Whore’s Eye View had more personal anecdotes to pair off the historical facts it would have been a more captivating show. As it is, the piece is the perfect synthesis of how men have used sexuality to control women, to enslave them, and often kill them, throughout history. A fun Ted Talk, compelling, disturbing, humorous, and a needed lesson to make sure history won’t repeat itself, especially now. Fingers crossed.
Whore’s Eye View
HERE in NYC
ends on October, 27, 2024
tour continues; next up:
New England Sex Work Summit in Burlington, VT on Nov. 15, 2024
Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit, MI on Nov. 16, 2024
The Pen Theatre in London Dec 3-7, 2024
for more info, visit Whore’s Eye View
