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The Motley Variety Of Humanity (Press, 4 August 1989)

This is a Generative AI summary of this newspaper article. It may contain errors or omissions. Please note that the language in the summary is reflective of the original article and the societal attitudes of the time in which it was written.

Summary: The Motley Variety Of Humanity (Press, 4 August 1989)

On 4 August 1989, a review highlighted the documentary "The Night Workers," directed by Dave Gibson, which aired on Wednesday evening at 10. The film offered a deep look into the complex community of Wellington's red light district, particularly focusing on Vivian Street. Despite its entertainment aspects, the documentary stood out for its authentic portrayal of the diverse individuals inhabiting that space and the trust they placed in Gibson as a filmmaker. Gibson skillfully navigated the balancing act between voyeurism and moral judgement, allowing his subjects to express their perspectives. This approach prevented easy stereotypes from forming about the local characters. The documentary showcased a range of narratives, with strippers reflecting on their disappointments in previous employment and sharing insights into the business ethics and challenges they faced in their current roles. The film featured various personalities, such as Chris Whitoka, who spoke about the struggles related to liquor licensing and provided a welcoming space for the homosexual community in her coffee shop. The owner of Tiffany’s strip club presented his establishment as a provider of quality service to seasoned businessmen, portraying the work as not overtly sexual but rather an exercise in traditional entertainment. The strippers themselves exhibited conflicting sentiments, embracing their roles while simultaneously acknowledging the distinction between their performances and “real” life. Sapphire Lane, a newcomer, raised questions about her personal experiences outside the nightclub setting, hinting at the complexities of public perception following her appearance on television. The documentary also touched upon the impact of the AIDS crisis, as transsexual workers candidly discussed the initial downturn in business due to fear and uncertainty. However, they reported an increase in client awareness regarding safe practices, with the use of condoms now normalized. The tougher working conditions were reflected in a humorous time-lapse depicting the endeavours of transvestite pairs as they interacted with potential clients amidst the challenges presented by the Wellington climate. Gibson also captured the dynamic between the street workers and the Wellington vice squad, characterised by an apparent camaraderie despite the obvious “us-versus-them” mentality, given the squad's Auckland origins. The documentary was not only about the workers but also the clientele who frequented the district, suggesting that some may have been surprised to see themselves featured in such a candid and revealing documentary, especially in the aftermath of the mainstream 9.30 news. Overall, "The Night Workers" emerged as an insightful portrayal of a unique subculture within Wellington, engaging viewers with its depth and honesty.

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Publish Date:4th August 1989
URL:https://www.pridenz.com/paperspast_chp19890804_2_85_1.html