The Erotic Invitation: Madame Noir Sets The Table For Transformation

MADAME NOIR in conversation with PENELOPE DARIO

Madame Noir's "The Feast" isn't a dinner. It's desire served raw.

Step into a realm where elegance intertwines with desire, and fantasy dances with reality. Madame Noir's Nude Noir is not merely an event—it's an immersive journey into the depths of sensuality and self-discovery. Since its inception in 2012, this exclusive, invite-only experience has captivated audiences worldwide, from the heart of London to the vibrant streets of New York City.

In this conversation, Penelope Dario interviews Madame Noir on Nude Noir and and its performance coming to NYC, June 13th & 14th.

PETIT MORT (PENELOPE DARIO)

How did you first get the idea to develop the Nude Noir event series? 

MADAME NOIR

The idea for Nude Noir began over 12 years ago when I was immersed in six years of training in body-oriented psychotherapy. During that time, I began to explore the intersections of sexuality, shadow work, and personal empowerment. Through my own journey, I discovered that many individuals, especially women, were disconnected from their desires or were taught to suppress parts of themselves. There was a deep need for a space where women could tap into different aspects of themselves, have the courage to step into their power, and explore the parts of themselves that they normally would not dare to. This realization was the foundation for Nude Noir—a space that encourages self-reflection, empowerment, and sensual exploration.

At the same time, during that year, everywhere I traveled, I noticed women engrossed in the bestselling book 50 Shades of Grey. While I didn’t think much of the literature itself, what struck me was the tremendous demand for female erotica. It was clear that something once confined to subcultures was now making its way into the mainstream, and women were hungry for a more empowered and free exploration of their desires. This cultural shift made it evident that women were seeking not only to read about their desires but to embody and express them in a real and unrestrained way.

This moment felt like a significant awakening, and it inspired me to create a space where women could own their sensuality, embrace their shadows, and step into their full power—even if just for one night. Nude Noir offers a gateway—a place where you can experience parts of yourself you may not have known existed. I’m not promising that Nude Noir will transform your life, but it could open a door to new experiences, deeper awareness, and a more embodied sense of self.

Or, if you're looking for something lighter, Nude Noir can also be a stimulating date night for couples—an exciting way to spice up your night out and step into a world of sensuality, mystery, and shared connection.

I guess, like life itself, my motivation has many layers, and ultimately, it depends on what the individual is looking for. Whether it’s personal transformation or a fun night out, Nude Noir can offer something meaningful to all who step into its world.

Who were some of your favorite collaborators or performances over the years?

My favorite collaborations have undoubtedly been with my cast members, many of whom have been with me for over 8-12 years. Watching them grow—not only as performers but as individuals—has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Adreena Angela has been supporting Nude Noir with her performance, energy and presence for over 12 years now. Sweet Severine stepped on Noir’s stage 8 years ago and so did Miriam Veil. Saffka had her first show with Noir in 2013.  

The way we’ve all developed together over the years, both on stage and behind the scenes, has created an intimacy and bond within our ensemble that’s palpable in the performances. It’s something I’m truly proud of, because it’s not just about the artistry of the show—it’s about the genuine connections we’ve forged, which are reflected in every moment of Nude Noir.

I’ve also had a few moments of personal realization that still resonate deeply with me. For example, I remember a time when I looked up to certain fashion brands and photographers such as Corsetorium and the late Nicolas Guerin using them as sources of inspiration for my work. A few years later, I had the opportunity to collaborate with them. The same came to pass with photographer JKonradSchmidt, when I supported the launch of his photobook, "Hôtel Noir." 

These felt like such beautiful moments—like I had arrived in some way.

One of the special collaborations that makes this experience even more magical is with my dear friend and incredibly talented photographer, Sanjin Kastelan. His eye captures the very essence of noir, turning moments of sensuality into works of art. It’s a reminder that this journey is not just about creating an event; it’s also about creating relationships that come full circle and nourish each other.

I’ve had many unforgettable performances over the years, but one fantasy that always stayed with me was the idea of setting up a grand banquet table, reminiscent of an altar, inside a church, with shibari suspensions hanging above it. It was a dream I never thought would come true—yet, to my surprise, it did. And not only that, it unfolded in Los Angeles, of all places.

What truly took my breath away that night was watching Sweet Severine suspended upside down, restrained by a rope & candelabra structure with real candles burning for over 20 minutes. The connection between our experienced rigger Nik and the trust and surrender Sweet Severine showed was nothing short of groundbreaking. I found myself wondering if the guests fully comprehended the sheer magnitude of what had just taken place. I almost wanted to go up to each one and ask, "Do you really understand what just happened here?" I felt incredibly proud of all of my team. 

How has the show evolved over its 13 year lifespan? 

 In the beginning, I was really exploring the immersive elements of performance, which were quite new to the event scene at the time. Looking back, I often joke that I integrated my own sexual shadow through my art—Nude Noir became a way to express the parts of me I hadn’t fully acknowledged or embraced. As I evolved, so did my expression, and the more open and authentic I became in my own life, the more it was reflected in the shows.

I remember when it all started with just 2-3 performers sensually doing their work on top of a bar in some London’s members club. It was raw, spontaneous, and exploratory. Ironically, one of those performers was Nina Kate from Jane Doe Latex—who I was lucky enough to work with back then. Little did we know that 12 years later, Nina Kate would be collaborating with Nude Noir in LA, creating an entire latex show to open the night. That’s a beautiful example of how the show and the relationships within it have evolved.

As the years went by, the venues and collaborations began to push my own boundaries. Each new space and partnership asked me to stretch, to expand the concept even further. One of the most incredible moments for me was when we took Nude Noir to San Francisco “The Palace Theatre”, performing in a proper theater environment. That setting really challenged me to elevate the experience, to step up once again and rise to meet the demands of the venue.

We are all on our personal journey, and life has its own way of nudging us to grow. Sometimes those ways are mysterious, but they are the challenges that shape us into who we are meant to become. Nude Noir has flourished in the same way—constantly evolving, expanding, and transforming as we move through time.

 How do the audiences differ in the different cities you perform in, what do you love about NYC?

Bringing Nude Noir to new audiences is one of my absolute favorite parts of the journey. It’s incredible to witness how culture and geoposition influence the experience and shape what I have to consider when expanding the show, all while staying true to the essence of Nude Noir. For example, eight years ago, we hosted Nude Noir in Bahrain—which was an extraordinary challenge. I had to think deeply about how to push boundaries while respecting the local culture, what was considered erotica, and what the audience truly needed. It became a delicate balance of finding ways to gently push boundaries while staying true to my ethos, and I’m proud to say that the show was incredibly well-received.

London, for me, is a personal playground. Every time we perform there, I feel like I push boundaries just a little bit more. That’s the beauty of our show—it’s fluid, it evolves, and we’re constantly building upon the scenes, layer by layer. But NYC, oh, that’s an entirely different energy. I’m particularly excited about the NYC audience—they’re fast-paced, vibrant, and full of life. I can’t wait to see how we can seduce them, draw them into the moment, and encourage them to slow down. The beauty of Nude Noir is that we bring a different frequency and tempo than most shows. We’re not asking the audience to rush through it. We’re asking them to lean back, stay open, and savor the possibilities. It’s a different kind of excitement—a patient anticipation of what’s next. Because if you rush through it, you’ll miss the gifts we’re offering.

NYC has this incredible energy, and I’m excited to see how our performance can draw the audience in, slow them down, and lead them on an unforgettable journey.

What has been your greatest lesson as an erotic event producer?

My greatest lesson as an erotic event producer has been learning how to hold a mirror for both the audience and myself, while ensuring that everyone involved feels safe and respected in the process. Nude Noir is not about pushing people to explore every hidden desire or dive deep into every aspect of their shadow. Instead, it’s about creating a space where individuals can witness their own reflections in a safe, non-judgmental environment—where they can see what’s there and decide how to engage with it. It’s an invitation to observe. The power of the show lies in how people choose to respond to the reflection they see.

A crucial aspect of this is making sure that everyone—audience, performers, and the team—feels safe. This is vital to creating a space where vulnerability and empowerment can coexist. When people feel safe, they are free to engage authentically, without fear or inhibition. It’s not just about creating an event; it’s about creating an experience where trust is the foundation for everything we do. That trust is woven through the performances, the space, and the interactions between the audience and the cast.

At the core of Nude Noir is authenticity. The show is a space where we embrace what is real, what is raw, and what is true in the moment. There’s no pretense—just an invitation to connect with what’s really there. For the performers, it’s about expressing and embodying their truth; for the audience, it’s about being with what arises, without feeling the need to act on it or explain it away.

In the end, Nude Noir is about holding a mirror to the audience and performers alike, offering a safe space to reflect, embrace, and connect with the self, without fear of judgment. And it is that authenticity—both in the creation of the show and in the individuals who experience it—that makes it transformative.

How did you curate the current cast of the show?

Curating the cast for Nude Noir has always been a deeply intuitive process, and it’s evolved alongside the show itself. From the very beginning, it was never just about finding talented performers—it was about creating a family. Each cast member needs to embody more than just their role on stage. They have to be willing to step into their own authenticity and show the audience not just their craft, but their vulnerability as well.

I look for individuals who are not just skilled in their art but who are in touch with their own sensuality and self-awareness. It’s essential that they bring their own truth to the performance, creating an experience that’s not just seen but felt by the audience. This is particularly important in Nude Noir, as the show is not about acting out a performance—it’s about becoming the performance and connecting with the audience on a visceral level.

Over the years, I’ve also become more attuned to how performers interact with each other. Chemistry is crucial; it’s about the deep trust between them, which allows the performance to evolve naturally. When we come together, a special energy is formed between us. At the core of that energy is love and care—love for the show we’ve created, and care for each other as individuals. This connection is palpable and felt on stage. It’s not just about their individual performances but how they come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

At the same time, I’m very mindful of the energy and frequency I want to bring into space. Just as Nude Noir encourages the audience to slow down, lean back, and stay open to possibility, the same goes for the cast. They must be able to embody this energy—to stay present in the moment, to be open to the flow of the performance, and to trust in the safety and authenticity of the environment we’ve created together.

How do you see the show evolving in the next 5-10 years?

Right now, we are witnessing a huge movement toward conscious kink and sex-positive events, and I’ve been exploring these themes for over 12 years. We’ve always been ahead of the curve in terms of creating immersive, sensual experiences that encourage self-awareness and empowerment. I believe that we have a lot to say about this subject, and as the conversation around sexuality and desire continues to evolve, so too will Nude Noir.

However, for me, it has never really been about where we’ll be in the future, but rather about the journeys we will take together. Nude Noir is an ongoing exploration, one that constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, both for the performers and for the audience. Each performance is a new opportunity to deepen connections, to challenge our preconceived notions of desire and sexuality, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and free. The beauty of Nude Noir is that it’s alive—it evolves in real-time as we grow, as a team and as a community.

That said, I’m also aware that everything has its time. While I don’t know exactly when that time will come, there will be a moment where we reach the end of this particular chapter. I can’t imagine ever repeating the same cast, because each member brings something irreplaceable to the table. Losing a member would feel like losing one of the pillars of the show—each person’s energy is vital to what makes Nude Noir so unique. Of course, new energy would come in with a new performer, but there’s something fragile and special about the current dynamic. That’s what makes it so precious—it’s here now, but it could easily be lost if one of those pillars is taken away.

In the next 5-10 years, I hope to continue exploring and expanding the boundaries of what we do, while staying true to the core of what Nude Noir represents: authenticity, vulnerability, and connection. But I also understand that, like any great journey, there will eventually be an end—and when that time comes, I will embrace it. I know, deep down, that I will recognize when it’s time to close this chapter, knowing that we’ve created something truly transformative and special along the way.

Nude Noir is not just a show—it’s an immersive experience that invites you to explore the depths of your desires, confront your shadows, and embrace the parts of yourself you may not often acknowledge. In a world increasingly hungry for substance and authenticity, Nude Noir provides just that—an experience that goes beyond entertainment and offers a true connection to your inner world.

For two nights only in New York City, we open the doors to a sensual realm where power, vulnerability, and self-awareness converge. Nude Noir invites you to slow down, lean back, and explore the hidden parts of yourself through a performance that invites immersion rather than observation. This is a space where desire is not only acknowledged, but celebrated—and where every touch, every glance, and every movement offers an invitation to connect with yourself and others in ways that transcend the ordinary.

What makes Nude Noir unique is that it’s not just about indulgence; it’s about authentic expression and the courage to confront what lies beneath the surface. Our show offers a sanctuary for those who crave genuine connection and a deeper understanding of their own desires. Whether you come as a couple or venture alone, you’ll be enveloped in an experience that invites self-reflection and offers the freedom to feel fully.

In a world often oversaturated with the superficial, Nude Noir provides a refreshing and thought-provoking alternative—a chance to engage with something real and meaningful. It’s an opportunity to step into the shadows and discover the power, the pleasure, and the vulnerability that await you.

So, why should you come? Because in a world starved for authenticity, Nude Noir is a rare offering—an experience that invites you to step outside of the ordinary, embrace your desires, and explore your deepest truths.

The Feast is waiting, and it promises to awaken something in you that you may not yet know you’ve been longing for.

So tell me NYC, do you dare sit at our table?

ATTEND THE FEAST