Naked Girls Reading : SMASH THE PATRIARCHY

4.55 (73)

Naked Girls Reading : SMASH THE PATRIARCHY

34 performances between Feb. 11, 2016 and Jan. 26, 2020
Live Nude Literary Salon
Naked Girls Reading Johannesburg
90mins

As is tradition, we like to start the new year in the nude!

And so, we bring you : Naked Girls Reading 

With our entire January program inspired by strong womxn, our readings for this series will focus on the trial-blazing womxn as well as will bring focus to the perils of the patriarchy (a phrase borrowed from our beautiful friends at Perils of Patriarchy) and how to smash it.

From poetry to verse, prose and excerpts from some of our readers and guests creative work - expect a selection of literature to bring together, educate and inspire change.

Read to you by our beautiful readers in the 12th Series of Naked Girls Reading JHB at POPArt.

If you love literature. If you have a passion for the written word- come and escape while a selection of beautiful & diverse literature is read to you, out loud, as it should be! By four women who are just as passionate and totally naked. 

---

There is something altogether more intimate about a woman reading in the nude. Let the thrilling and eccentric ladies mesmerise you with their tales from a range of novels, short stories and modern fiction and allow you to witness the delight and splendour of women who like to read… naked. 

FAQ's 
What is Naked Girls Reading? 
At each event, a small cast of beautiful ladies remove their clothing (yes, all of it) and read to 
an adoring audience.

Are the girls really naked? 
Yes, we are.

Is the audience naked? 
No they are not.

Do the girls read to themselves or out loud? 
We read out loud to the audience. It is entertaining, magical, often funny, sometimes heart-wrenching and really very sexy.

There is something altogether more intimate about a woman reading in the nude. Let the thrilling and eccentric ladies mesmerise you with their tales from a range of novels, short stories and modern fiction and allow you to witness the delight and splendour of women who like to read… naked. 

---

There is something altogether more intimate about a woman reading in the nude. Let the thrilling and eccentric ladies mesmerise you with their tales from a range of novels, short stories and modern fiction and allow you to witness the delight and splendour of women who like to read… naked. 

FAQ's 
What is Naked Girls Reading? 
At each event, a small cast of beautiful ladies remove their clothing (yes, all of it) and read to 
an adoring audience.

Are the girls really naked? 
Yes, we are.

Is the audience naked? 
No they are not.

Do the girls read to themselves or out loud? 
We read out loud to the audience. It is entertaining, magical, often funny, sometimes heart-wrenching and really very sexy.

Audience Responses

Loved it. Everything about it was magnificent.

Dineo • Attended Jan. 13, 2018, 8 p.m.
5.0

Was awesome. I had great fun

Khumbulani • Attended Jan. 24, 2020, 8 p.m.
5.0

What an awesome show!

Julie • Attended Jan. 21, 2017, 8 p.m.

While the experience was one of a kind, we felt like the choices of text could be more challenging and more diverse. They more or less repeated the same message with the odd exception of the Hitchhiker's piece (funnily enough, I considered if I would ever be able to do that and what I would read and my first thought was also HGttG). While the message is a valid one, the platform is singular and could be used better to engage more perspectives and subjects. But the girls were brave and had great humour and I would come again.

donna • Attended Jan. 22, 2017, 3:30 p.m.
3.0

Absolutely wonderful. Such brave and beautiful women finding strength and power in their vulnerability. Absolutely inspiring.

Yulisha • Attended Jan. 24, 2020, 8 p.m.
5.0

The readings were amazing, they were both funny and inspiring. The 80 minutes just flew by.

Cheryl • Attended Jan. 22, 2017, 3:30 p.m.
5.0

Poorly rehearsed. Nothing more than a series of readings about hip hop and hip hop lyrics. I don't know the concept behind, and haven't been to a Naked Girls Reading previously but nudity seemed like a cheap gimmick - in no way supported the content. Hip hop is a fascinating interesting theme and moments of the lyrics and readings were profound so sadly felt like an opportunity missed.

Lesley • Attended July 1, 2017, 8 p.m.

Very entertaining. The girls are all very sexy and have lovely bodies too. We all loved it.

clive • Attended Feb. 11, 2016, 8 p.m.
5.0

Was fun. Witty. And unusual. Thank you

Michael • Attended Feb. 14, 2016, 3:30 p.m.
5.0

Thank you!

Sapphire • Attended Jan. 12, 2018, 8 p.m.
5.0

Great show. Could have been a tad longer

Sanet • Attended July 16, 2016, 8 p.m.
5.0

Awesome stuff! I just need the names of the books and authors please... Regards, K

Khotso Morena • Attended July 15, 2016, 8 p.m.
5.0

Great experience...

carter • Attended July 15, 2016, 8 p.m.
4.0

Refreshing Inspiring and enlightening with a warm welcoming atmosphere.

Linda • Attended Jan. 21, 2017, 8 p.m.
4.0

Magical! We had such fun and the stories that were chosen were so entertaining.

Eli • Attended Feb. 12, 2016, 8 p.m.
4.0

Great show thoroughly enjoyed

Quintinn • Attended Oct. 20, 2017, 8 p.m.
4.0

The text selection enhanced the performance. The show was less about women being naked and more about them baring the true essence of themselves and the stereotypical archetypes set by society. It became an empowering performance as the audience became stripped of their preconceived notions of sexuality, lies, lust and women in general. I especially loved the reading of Haruki Murakami as he is one of my favorite authors. In conclusion; Bravo!!!

Thando • Attended Feb. 13, 2016, 8 p.m.
5.0

I really loved the show and the choice of readings was wonderful, I would only ask that the performers read through the material beforehand so that the audience could get the full impact. Thank you for such a great evening though!

Catherine • Attended June 29, 2018, 8 p.m.
5.0

Queerly Beloved was so poignant and so funny, a really authentic and moving production.

Lara • Attended Oct. 21, 2017, 8 p.m.
5.0

Hi,thanks for allowing me an opportunity to express my sentiments about live nude literary event that I attended this past Saturday. I must accede that, indeed the show was mind-blowing and very captivating.The way the ladies were reading to audience was sublime and stupendously mesmerizing.To me it was a spectacular experience and my curiosity was well rewarded by watching naked girls reading. However,I felt very short changed when coming to the amount of time which the show failed to fulfil. The event was delayed by 6 minutes and thus finished 10 minutes earlier from the regulation time of 80 minutes.I suggest that,Pop Art production team look into the issue of time very seriously.That will help to maintain correct marketing and live up to the promise of the running time as shown on marketing material.Thanks. Regards, Reggie

Reggie • Attended July 1, 2017, 8 p.m.
4.0

Such a moving show, my mother and I loved it!

Deborah • Attended May 14, 2017, noon
5.0

Extraordinary experience. Important messages about the female body, body consciousness and beauty. Incredible pieces read. Overall wonderful experience.

Princess • Attended Feb. 11, 2016, 8 p.m.

It was so good! We will definitely come and see it yet again!!!

Andy • Attended Feb. 13, 2016, 8 p.m.
5.0

It was a great attempt at creativity using nudity as an art form to read stories. I was expecting a more profound acting experience that would have created a wow experience.

Afzal • Attended Jan. 21, 2017, 8 p.m.
3.0

Really great show! Such thought-provoking readings and lovely personalities on stage :)

Lindsay • Attended Oct. 21, 2017, 8 p.m.
5.0

I thought the HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy and Shantaram did not fit with the rest of the readings who were all women / female issues / stories / shares, it seemed a pity they felt out. I loved the mix of woman in age and size and colour on the stage, pity you could not use Indian / Coloured ladies too? The pieces written by the women reading were some of the most incredible, pity there was not more of that.

Wendy • Attended Jan. 22, 2017, 3:30 p.m.
3.0

I loved naked girls reading. Each lady was beautiful and powerful in her own way. A celebration of feminine beauty in all her unique shapes, colours and sizes. The literature was read with passion and excitement. It was a thrilling yet humbling experience. Thank you for sharing your journey with us

Belinda • Attended Jan. 20, 2017, 8 p.m.
5.0

Exceptional content

Lee-Ann • Attended Jan. 24, 2020, 8 p.m.
5.0

From Martie: Brave. Unusual. Inspiring. Entertaining. Stimulating. Compelling. Intimacy immediately established by the act of disrobing.

Thomas • Attended Jan. 14, 2018, 3:30 p.m.

A great place for a straight guy to see beautiful naked woman surrounded by books without it being frowned upon. A win win as far as I am concerned. It was interesting that the further the night progressed the less I noticed the readers nudity or just think about their nakedness. But before I am accused of just being a typical male let me say this. I found the concept quite intriguing and I would love to understand the background as to how it all came about. It was really interesting ... from the intimate setting, the audience and their reaction, the readers and the content. Loved it and even wondered if men reading naked will receive similar interest from the publicat large. Thanks for something different

Stefan • Attended Jan. 13, 2018, 8 p.m.

It was a nice intimate session, very educational and touching especially the first poem. It would be nice to have such on a monthly basis.

Zonke • Attended Oct. 27, 2018, 8 p.m.
5.0

It was so good! We will definitely come and see it yet again!!!

Andy • Attended Feb. 13, 2016, 8 p.m.
5.0

I enjoyed it very much, and loved the second half more. I felt that some of the readings could have been better rehearsed ( not the content) because the more engrossed the actresses became in the story, the more the audience did. my husband made a lovely comment...he said something like, "just goes to show a naked body is nothing without a personality". :-)

Marina • Attended Feb. 12, 2016, 8 p.m.
3.0

Awesome show as always! Keep it up!

Khotso • Attended Jan. 21, 2017, 8 p.m.
5.0

Attendance has been quite an experience. I've known about the shows internationally and been wanting to experience one for a long time. Been wondering how the readers would 'appear' on stage ... and had been quite surprised by the 'grant entrance' and disrobing. The readings were magnificent. Some readers better than other, projecting feelings into the readings. Well chosen pieces with such depth. Would love to have a access to a posted biography. The 'mistress' of ceremony had been really good; strong without been intimidating; and generating enthusiasm.

Thomas • Attended Jan. 14, 2018, 3:30 p.m.

The concept and the effort was great. The reading of hip hop lyrics and hip hop academics was good. I think that the reading needs a director. Also, women rappers, academics, and creative writers could have been more represented. It would have provided a good context to the women reading and their nudity. Nicki Minaj, Joan Morgan, and Sista Souljah are some examples.

Tyechia • Attended July 2, 2017, 3:30 p.m.
3.0

It was well rehearsed and entertaining however we found it a bit long.

Natasha • Attended Oct. 28, 2016, 8 p.m.
4.0

Great show!

Kabura • Attended Jan. 13, 2018, 8 p.m.
4.0

Hi there and thanks for the opportunity to provide feedback. My feedback is made in gratitude and sincerity and my intention is not to critique, just to be honest, so I trust it is taken as such. Thanks for the show, something refreshingly different. I think it was a courageous concept and had a very natural feeling about it, quite matter of fact and casual. I think there are two things I would love to comment on. Firstly I was a little disappointed by the choice of some of the readings. 10mins of Russel Brand? really? For this concept? I don't have anything against him but given the incredible choice of reading out there to support and compliment 3 gorgeous naked woman on stage, I thought some of the readings were poor choice. Some were incredible. I was hoping to hear text that somehow connects with the fact of three naked bodies on stage (some of the reading certainly did) and that would take me on a journey reflecting al aspects of the show concept - nudity, body shaming, body loving, social norms, cultural differences, memories, etc. With the correct text, the opportunity to 'perform' and play with the prose was somewhat lost. Was the choice of text a creative strategy or random? Was there any 'direction' to the show or intentionally loose? Im curious. I did not feel that the nudity enhanced the prose and text much in a few instances (a lost opportunity i thought was during the test on cancer, no performative reference was made to breast cancer for e/g.). I would love to see more creative connection between the text and the obvious uniqueness of the show, 3 ladies nude on stage. The visual of the performers on stage is an invitation to expand perspectives and sensibilities. I also would have loved to hear more about the story of the performers, why are you sitting there? Conversation about each text? The nudity is commendable however i did not believe it was completely comfortable for the performers. It felt incomplete. But i still loved it . Thank you so much. Best Colin

Colin • Attended Jan. 12, 2019, 8 p.m.
3.0

Seating is a little impractical as everyone on same level

Jodi • Attended Jan. 20, 2017, 8 p.m.
5.0

So brilliant. Loved it!

Claire • Attended Oct. 28, 2016, 8 p.m.
5.0

The actors appeared quite unrehearsed at first, although they got a bit more comfortable later in the show. They seemed uncertain about what they were reading, who was going next, etc. The content was thought-provoking and interesting. It would have been nice to be clearer about hip-hop as opposed to rap, the terms were used interchangeably. The nudity didn't serve much function but it did give a dramatic and unique quality! And it was pretty brave. A fun and memorable evening overall.

Lesley • Attended July 1, 2017, 8 p.m.

It was great show i realy enjoyed it...1st you get wow with boobs but after that we are attentively focused on the books,

Thabiso • Attended Jan. 14, 2018, 3:30 p.m.
4.0

Great show and looking forward to the next one with only African writers ;-). Thank you!

Ayanda • Attended Feb. 13, 2016, 8 p.m.
4.0

I loved the show. The idea of naked reading is out there and that’s why it works for me.

Malefane • Attended June 29, 2018, 8 p.m.
5.0

Was fun. Witty. And unusual. Thank you

Michael • Attended Feb. 14, 2016, 3:30 p.m.
5.0

Such a moving show, my mother and I loved it!

Deborah • Attended May 14, 2017, noon
5.0

Loved everything about it, the venue, the timing, the reading and the girls were amazing! However, it was extremely hot, an aircon or fan would be great.

Chyrice • Attended Feb. 11, 2016, 8 p.m.
5.0

Congratulations and well done to the 4 beautiful women for their courage to present the Naked Girls Reading. As a lady myself... I was a bit nervous as to what would be presented and especially HOW the show would be presented. I was pleasantly surprised to see and to hear the grace and tact with which the naked reading was presented. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this project as an audience member. I was impressed and once again reminded (by beautiful women) of how beautiful it is to be a woman. Thank you for presenting this show! Zxx

Zahndri • Attended Jan. 20, 2017, 8 p.m.
5.0

Incredible. I went in wondering what on earth I was signing up for and left knowing that I know understood things that are so crucial to living a sincere life. Bravo to the substance filled script and the boldness of the actresses!

Andrew • Attended Feb. 14, 2016, 3:30 p.m.
5.0

Interesting concept, but the performances of the readings weren't great. It would have been better if the performers had trained voices.

Kyle • Attended Oct. 26, 2018, 8 p.m.
2.0

The readings could have been more practiced.

Cassandra • Attended June 30, 2018, 8 p.m.
3.0

It was raw and beautiful

Natalie • Attended Oct. 27, 2018, 8 p.m.
5.0

An interesting selection of readings mixing humour and horror. The opening was especially enjoyable and, despite the interruption by an audience member (expertly handled by the performers), the night was very fun overall.

Randall • Attended Oct. 29, 2016, 8 p.m.
4.0

This was the first Naked Girls Reading event I attended and (pardon the cliché) but it was everything I expected and more. Watching those four amazing women (starkers on stage!) combining/promoting two of my favourite things (body positivity and all things book-related) reaffirmed my belief that all bodies are equal and that South Africa has strong, powerful women who're making a visible change to what it means to be a woman in contemporary SA. Viva.

Mila • Attended June 30, 2018, 8 p.m.
5.0

The show was phenomenal. The synergy between the performers was palpable and it spilled over into the audience creating a very reciprocal relationship. It was so heart warming to be in a space that is inviting and safe, where everything said was relatable and everything felt was so real. Spaces that are built on the assumption that queerness is ordinary are so important because most spaces are built on the assumption that queerness is atypical. Everything vocalised thereafter brought out the complexities surrounding sexuality and I really appreciated that important aspects such as hate crimes and the fear of visibly embodying queerness were not negated. However, it was perfectly balanced with some sharp wit and lengthy interpretations of female desire in which I had to consciously remind myself to breathe. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Nikitta • Attended Oct. 22, 2017, 3:30 p.m.
5.0

The Girls took us on a literary journey and were poised and comfortable in their skins, an absolute delight. Please ask the audience tonight to "hold it in" trips to the loo are so disrespectful to the artists and the audience..

Lois • Attended Jan. 20, 2017, 8 p.m.
5.0

I was unfortunately delayed by the service at Pata Pata, and missed the performance ????