The history of sex work in Linz: a humorous journey through 45 years

The history of sex work in Linz: a humorous journey through 45 years

Linz. The Kulturverein Etty, with its new production "Sex in Linz", brings a captivating story to the stage that illuminates the sexual service in the city. The premiere will take place on Saturday, November 16, in the grandstand, the former porn cinema iron hand. This staging ensures conversation because it combines heart, humor and a critical view of an often tabuted topic.

We see Tina in the leading role, presenting Bettina Buchholz. She is the cleaning lady in Linz's sex business and, with her cleaning company "clean and discreet", leads the shops in the red light scene. On her last working day, shortly before she retired after 45 years, she tells of the beginning of the sex business in Linz.

The beginnings of sexual service

The story started in 1979 with the performance of the porn classic "Josefine Mutzenbacher - how it really was" in the sex cinema iron hand. Shortly afterwards, Austria's first peep show opened on Goethestrasse and soon afterwards the influential dominatrix woman Eva got into the scene. As a puff mother, she took over the brothel east end and already campaigned for the rights of sex workers in the 1990s.

This eventful story is complemented by the figure Sister Sol, an order sister from Manila, who decided to come to Linz. Caritas Upper Austria opened the Lena advice center in 1997, which offers fundamental support for sex workers. With the introduction of doll houses that were created in 2023, it shows how the industry has developed. "The sexdolls are warmed up and dressed as desired," explains Tina and is happy that she is retiring without having to worry about these new developments.

Johannes Neuhauser, who has been working on the project for four years, gives an insight into the production. "Everything we show is based on real events. The history of sex service here in Linz is both interesting and hilarious," says Neuhauser with a smile. A highlight is the mention of Ms. Eva, who was not only active in the industry, but also wrote poems.

Neuhauser, himself a social worker and psychotherapist, brings his many years of experience into production. "In my childhood I had a red -illuminated window and knew what happened there. On the other side of the street there was a monastery kindergarten - I grew up in between." These experiences, along with his emotional notes and the countless encounters with sex workers, flow into the play.

The finalized work is accompanied by numerous photos and videos, including the sex service provider Astrid W. Neuhauser emphasizes that respect for the sex workers has a top priority for the ensemble. "If someone expects nude scenes or scandals, they are wrong with us. We show that it is not a black and white topic," he explains.

Ultimately, the staging wants to entertain the audience. "Theater should be fun, and that is exactly the goal of this performance," continued Neuhauser. The interesting, profound and humorous examination of an often misunderstood topic invites the audience to think about the complexity of prostitution.

For more information on this insightful and entertaining performance, we refer to www.tips.at , where more details can be found.