Spoiler Alert: I am in The Vagina Monologues.

Details: March 9th & 10th, 7pm, Paradise Cove, US$25 entry (with complimentary drink)

 

Vagina. It’s a word that we all feel a little strange saying. In fact, growing up I don’t even think I used it until I was in a high school agricultural science class and we had to read about the reproductive anatomy of a cow. Everyone glanced around, quickly thrusting the word from their mouth with little to no ownership. We had a problem saying the word “vagina”, even when referring to a cow in a purely scientific way. No one had a problem saying the word “penis”; some even snickered a little afterwards. But not “vagina”. We scurried away from the word and the way it made you bite your lip before it left your mouth.

I have never said the word “vagina” more than I have in the past month during rehearsals for the upcoming show.

I can tell you that after this experience, I don’t feel any different saying “vagina” than I do saying “elbow” or “shin”.

Vagina, vagina, vagina.

It’s just a body part, so why do we feel like we are breaking a rule by saying it?

This is just one of the questions that will be answered at “The Vagina Monologues”. Firstly, I want to encourage everyone to come out this weekend to see me (along with a number of other great ladies) present the monologues written by Eve Ensler as well as some new West-Indian-centred original pieces written by Collette Jones-Chin. I guarantee that, by the end of the night, you will feel a lot more comfortable using the word “vagina”. You may even learn a thing or two about it. Spoiler alert: I have a monologue about orgasms! 

Should men come to The Vagina Monologues?

Duh. The entire set of monologues is very entertaining and appropriate for both sexes. I actually think it could make a pretty interesting date night. If anything, it will offer some stimulating conversation starters.

Female sexuality is complex, yet beautiful. Sort of like staring into the setting sun, it dares us to look at it yet compels us to look away. I feel that men who attend the monologues will have a bit of an edge on their counterparts. The best way to learn about what women want is to listen to them. Don’t be intimidated by the word “vagina”, be you male or female.

Are the actors presenting real-life things which happened to them?

Not in totality. The original Vagina Monologues were written by Eve Ensler in 1995. The play we are presenting includes Ensler’s monologues and some new ones written by Jones-Chin. I am performing three. They are all fictional accounts of real life scenarios inspired by stories told by women. None of the things in the monologues I am performing have ever happened to me, however, they contain important themes which need to be pushed to the forefront. I am sure that everyone who comes out will hear a monologue which speaks to their personal experience, or the experience of someone they know.

The word ‘monologue’ sounds boring. Will it be boring?

Nope. There is an undercurrent of plot-devoid-of-plot (if you catch my drift) which runs the duration of the play. It moves through each self-contained monologue taking you on a journey of laughter, shock, sorrow, passion, satisfaction and wonder.

It is a very emotionally charged event.  You’ll probably get angry or become worried at some points. You may feel self-conscious about what is being said or done on stage. A lot of the reasons for this stem from societal misconceptions that women’s bodies and the discussion of them is taboo. Don’t get caught in the mainstream idea that we must avoid discussing or presenting the woman as a sexually autonomous creature. The monologues are an exciting romp through concepts of control (and loss of it). They are entertaining. They are enlightening.  They are empowering.

 

If you would like to attend, send me an email or comment here to let me know. All the cast members have tickets available. Tickets can also be purchased at Jewelry Max in George Hill.