Visiting the Red Light District in Amsterdam was an experience like no other—prostitutes stand in windows displaying their bodies to pedestrians, commodifying themselves to those passing by the canals on cobblestone streets. I’m a staunch supporter of trying new things in new places, of familiarizing myself with activities and items for which a city or country is known. So, despite any reservations or taboo about watching a live erotic production, in Amsterdam I wanted to check out a peep show.
It was five Euro to watch for ten minutes. After paying a man at a desk, we were led into one of many doors, which we locked behind us. The screen in front of us rose to reveal that we were on one side of a decagon and in the center there was a round, rotating, plush stage. Not only could we view the stage and the entering performers, but we also could watch the other viewers through clouded windows—while various men gawked, a more enthusiastic young man bobbed his head and pumped his fist continuously. We stood next to each other and extended our heads to the window as the performers walked on stage.
A curvy woman was approximately in her mid-twenties. A slightly taller man who appeared bored and jaded followed her. As she began performing fellatio and they transitioned into sexual intercourse, the mood was bland and mechanical. Each move was measured and appeared planned—she looked more invested and dedicated to the performance than did he (he looked like he was not only finding the experience quotidian and mandatory, but had no attraction to his partner whatsoever).
What was even more striking about the show was that after commenting to each other about the occurring events, we realized we could hear the audience members across from us cheering and talking as well. Therefore, even though pop music filled the performance space, it was probably integral that the man and woman could hear all of us as well (as could they see us through the windows, which we know because we could see each other). Thus, the show must have been much influenced by the performers’ reactions to audience members.
When our ten minutes was up, our screen went down—a unique ending to the experience because the show was still occurring and the actors were in the process of performing. The ending to the peep show was different for each audience member depending on the time amount each patron requested. Each specific viewing experience was vastly different based on the part of the performance a person viewed.
The Amsterdam peep show was one-of-a-kind—I’m glad I got to see a more experimental and less common show of sorts. It was definitely an entertaining Red Light night.
Andrea Morrison
UC London Bloomsbury
amorriso@ucsd.edu
This is a fascinating social commentary on what is undeniably a 'performance event'. What makes this unique is the very precise description you give of the venue, the audience and the performers. The stage epitomizes the 'in the round' theatrical experience. The fact that you could see other audience members (and, from the sound of it, audiences' members) added to the voyeuristic experience. Or was it exhibitionistic? Certainly, the implication of what you say about being heard and seen by the performers is that they were either unfazed by this factor, or it added a frisson of excitement to their performance. Whatever, this is an excellent piece of journalistic writing and will make a fascinating cultural comment for future generations. Highest praise. Dr Q
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