Laura Desiree on Her New Live Sensory Spectacle “Eros Unbound”
Laura Desiree
Laura Desiree is no stranger to wearing multiple hats. From delivering news in the buff for the masses on Naked News, to her work as an intimacy coordinator, to being the face of CAM4’s growing podcast network, the industry icon seems to thrive in reinvention and reimagination. Her latest endeavor, Eros Unbound, sees Desiree as producer, production designer, presenter, and much more.
The show is a lush and sensual affair tucked on the corner of a popular Brooklyn nightlife neighborhood. Audiences are treated to a rotating cast of readers who take the smokily lit stage to recite original erotica, with many other surprises in between. We sat down to discuss the shows origins, inspirations, and plans for the future.
How did the show come to be? How much did your adult career inform the direction it took?
Eros Unbound is the show I’ve dreamed of bringing to audiences my entire life. For years, I kept my love of erotic literature largely to myself, assuming it wouldn’t find a place in today’s ultra-modern, high-tech world—where pornography is so readily accessible and attention spans seem to shrink by the second. But I was wrong, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
In 2023, I began experimenting with erotic storytelling by reading excerpts from my real-life sexting exchanges with an actor in a stripped-down spoken word show. This was raw, intimate, and unapologetically real. I first tested these “sexting scripts” with a small group of sex-positive community members at the former NSFW members-only clubhouse in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood. The response was overwhelming—audience enthusiasm made it clear that this kind of erotic presentation had a place in today’s world.
Finding the right venue was its own journey. I wanted a space that visually and emotionally embodied the lush, provocative energy that erotic language evokes. That search led me to Shien Lee, the owner of Brooklyn’s acclaimed Asian Neo-Noir cabaret, Red Pavilion. It was my top choice—honestly, my only choice—for creating the perfect environment. Together, we designed a lighting plan that enhanced the venue’s already dreamlike ambiance of pulsing colors and intimate cabaret tables. To heighten the sensory experience, I added a layer of carefully curated binaural beats, creating an immersive soundscape to accompany each reading. This was my way of ensuring the audience felt the stories viscerally, on every level. Finding readers was surprisingly easy. There’s an abundance of like-minded erotic enthusiasts who were eager to contribute five-minute readings for the show.
From David Lynch’s surrealism to Sidney Lumet’s cinematic drama, I strive to bring that same level of artistry and intensity to everything I create.
I’m deeply inspired by references from pop culture and the art world, constantly weaving nods to the works that have shaped my creative vision. From David Lynch’s surrealism to Sidney Lumet’s cinematic drama, I strive to bring that same level of artistry and intensity to everything I create.
How have you gone about finding your contributors?
It started with a group chat among people I sensed had a passion for off-beat erotic experiences—performers and fellow sex workers I’ve connected with over the years. I knew I needed to approach artists who were bold and fearless in expressing their erotic selves. This kind of participation demands bravery, as it involves laying one’s desires and sexual experiences bare before an anonymous audience.
I encourage readers to write from a confessional perspective, but I’m equally thrilled to see erotic prose of all kinds, whether it’s original works, classic pieces by famous authors, or sensual excerpts from published books. Honestly, I’d be overjoyed if someone chose to read Prince lyrics in the show!
How collaborative is the writing process?
The writing process is intentionally individualistic to preserve each reader’s unique voice and perspective. The only “prompt” given to our roster of writers is the theme for the show, which might range from “affairs” to “summer heat” to “body hair.” Beyond that, the tone and style of the material are entirely up to them—whether it’s a straightforward story or a reflective observation on the theme.
What’s something that has surprised you about the show? The process, the audience, etc?
One of the most delightful surprises has been how enthusiastic the audience is about writing their own erotica. We provide notepads and writing utensils on every table, encouraging everyone to write whenever inspiration strikes. Midway through the show, I introduce a deliberate prompt—often a provocative question designed to spark storytelling. During intermission, the room buzzes with creativity as the audience writes, while our sultry playlist sustains the mood.
The submissions are collected in a large gold bowl on stage, and at the very end of the show, I read some aloud. These moments create an overwhelming sense of connection in the room. Since the submissions are anonymous, it gives everyone the freedom to dive deep and share more honestly. As each piece is read, there’s an electric curiosity about who among us might have written it. It’s liberating—a rare chance to share our authentic sexual selves without fear of rejection.
How do you see the show evolving as it grows?
I envision this show becoming a more frequent event and even embarking on a tour to different cities, bringing its unique magic to a wider audience. There’s been incredible interest from the celebrity world, with some wanting to step up to the microphone and share their own stories. This opens the door to having unexpected (and possibly unannounced) special guests in future shows, which will add an exciting layer of intrigue and star power.
I also want to deepen audience involvement by creating new, innovative ways to uncover their stories and desires. With the large and growing collection of anonymous erotica submitted by our audience, I dream of publishing a stunning coffee table book. This collection would feature scanned submissions, preserving their raw, authentic essence. The book could serve as a fundraising tool, with proceeds going to vital resources for sex workers—specifically in health care and financial aid. This evolution aligns with the heart of the show: celebrating erotic expression while supporting a community that deserves advocacy and support.