Women’s emotional accounts of rape, abuse and other experiences comprised Wednesday’s performance of The Vagina Monologues at the Hapnot Collegiate theatre.
The monologues, made famous by American playwright Eve Ensler, convey stories from around the world and generate emotions ranging from sadness and anger to happiness.
The Vagina Monologues are presented worldwide with many of the same stories shared, though directors of each show are able to pick a few monologues that relate to their community.
In Flin Flon, director Courtney Gieg selected “The Crooked Braid,” which tells the story of an Aboriginal woman whose husband beat her and then cheated on her. When braiding his hair, she would make it completely crooked.
Gieg had originally hoped to introduce “They Beat The Girl Out Of My Boy, Or So They Tried,” which shared the story of a male who transitioned into a female.
“But Crooked Braid was more relevant with the amount of missing and murdered Indigenous women,” said Gieg. “We’re a northern, rural area with a large Aboriginal population, so it’s just more relevant to our area.”
Emceed
John Nicol emceed this year’s event, a first for Flin Flon as men are typically not a part of The Vagina Monologues.
“It was a big change for us this year, having him involved,” said Gieg, glad to have Nicol’s support. “It’s something I would like to continue to do.”
In years past, the Women’s Resource Centre has presented another Ensler production – A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer – that has had male involvement in readings.
The Vagina Monologues, however, do not have male speaking parts, though Gieg says she would be happy to fill volunteer spots with interested males.
“I would like to see more men get involved,” she said.
The Vagina Monologues help to not only spread awareness about violence against women, but also act as a fundraiser for the Women’s Resource Centre.
The organization was able to raise more than $2,000 for its Women’s Safe Haven, which faced a large deficit at the end of the year.
The money will go toward the general upkeep of the facility, helping to protect women and children in need.
In writing The Vagina Monologues, Ensler interviewed women of all ages and races. She continues to share their stories in 48 languages and in more than 140 countries to help put a stop to violence.
Many of the stories read in Wednesday’s performance were memories older women had told Ensler – something the majority of women never though they would reveal.
This was the fifth time the performance came to Flin Flon with local readers.
In a previous interview, Gieg had said the message of the performance continues to be relevant.
“Violence against women hasn’t stopped,” she said. “When we keep doing [The Vagina Monologues], it keeps the conversation going to stand up against violence.”
Readers
Introduction: Alicia Taylor, Jackie Hritzuk, Carol Craig
Hair: Cait Bailey
The “Wear and Say” lists: Meryl Guymer, Courtney Gieg, Barb Hopkinson
The Flood: Jackie Hritzuk
The Vagina Workshop: Barb Hopkinson
Vagina Happy Fact: Alicia Taylor
The Crooked Braid: Courtney Gieg, Vanessa Unrau
Because He Liked To Look At It: Olivia Gieg
Not-S0-Happy Fact: Cait Bailey
My Angry Vagina: Vanessa Unrau
My Vagina Was My Village: Meryl Guymer
The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could: Courtney Gieg
Reclaiming Cunt: Jan Unruh
A Six-Year-Old Girl Was Asked: Cait Bailey
The Woman Who Loved To Make Vaginas Happy:
Carol Craig
I Was There In The Room: Olivia Gieg
Me Revolution Begins In The Body: Jan Unruh
