The Vagina Monologues are returning to Flin Flon.
The famed production will help raise awareness of violence against women at the Hapnot Collegiate theatre at a yet-to-be-determined date this month.
“Violence against women hasn’t stopped,” said Courtney Gieg, a counsellor at the Women’s Resource Centre, sponsor of the show. “When we keep doing [the Vagina Monologues], it keeps the conversation going to stand up against violence.”
The Vagina Monologues began in 1994 as brave women from all over the world shared their sometimes-emotional stories with author Eve Ensler.
The readings detail stories from women from all walks of life and, often, the abuse they have encountered.
The Women’s Resource Centre first brought the production to Flin Flon in 2010 as local women and men read stories – some sad, some funny and some that left audience members angry.
Area residents are once again encouraged to participate in this month’s show.
This will be Gieg’s second year putting on the production. She hopes to offer not only awareness, but also support for those impacted by violence.
“It’s to help those heal who have experienced violence,” she said.
The Vagina Monologues won’t be new to many in the community. Over the past five years the production has alternated with another evening of readings known as A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer.
But Gieg says there will be differences from past performances.
Choose pieces
The core of the Vagina Monologues remains the same for each production, but organizers have the opportunity to choose other pieces that suit their communities’ needs.
“We’ve added in ‘My Short Skirt,’” said Gieg, “and it’s targeted to younger women.”
By adding new pieces, Gieg says the performance can remain relevant to the community and audience members.
The Women’s Resource Centre has benefited from the Vagina Monologues with funds from the evening going toward its Safe Haven for women escaping abusive situations.
“And that’s something that the community really needs,” said Gieg.
Gieg says she found that last year’s performance opened the doors of communication on an often-taboo subject.
“I really liked doing it,” she said. “I found it made it easier to talk about things like women’s sexuality. It broke down the stigma of talking about it.”
The Vagina Monologues cover heavy subjects, but Gieg says it has a “unique way” of getting its message across.
Readers needed
Key to the success of the Vagina Monologues is the participation of local readers. Earlier this week, Gieg had seven readers registered for the April performance but hoped to see more.
“We’re looking for as many as possible,” said Gieg, hoping to surpass last year’s participation of a dozen women.
Because of the sometimes-graphic details of the monologues, Gieg has limited readership to those 18 years and older. Audience participation is based on parental discretion.
Anyone looking to register as a reader may contact Gieg at the Women’s Resource Centre at
204-681-3105.
