- The ‘Vagina Monologues,’ a play about women’s sexuality, is part of the 20th celebration of VDAY.
- The New Voice Company will present the play on August 11 and 12, 2018.
- The New Voice Company production of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ is the most widely attended and longest-running play in the Philippines.
How does your vagina actually look like? What do you hate about your vagina? At times, do you feel detached from your own vagina? Above all, when did you really learn that you have a vagina?
VAGINAS. Although memory may fail us, we all came from these vaginas – a no-brainer, scientific fact, surely. Then on, the very vaginas who brought us upon this world, would either make or break us. We would all then realize that vaginas are usually maltreated; in this world, there is a cocky notion pounding on the very foundations of a should-be-balanced-world: women are just women. Growing in a society that equates the vagina with some sort of a disadvantage, it is of great importance to finally hear these vaginas talk. Talk fearlessly, as they should.
That is why, this weekend’s showing of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ is just perfectly clocked – not only for its relevance in today’s world, but also for its intention to cater to its Filipino-tongued audience (just in time for the celebration of ‘Buwan ng Wika’) as – yes! – ‘The Vagina Monologues’ will be staged in both English and Filipino productions, for the very first time.
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of VDAY (V20), the play will be presented by the New Voice Company (NVC), one of the country’s socially provocative theatre groups headed by its Artistic Director, Monique Wilson. As we all know, VDAY is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls, founded by the very writer of ‘The Vagina Monologues,’ American playwright Eve Ensler.
Originally penned in 1996, the play still actually resonates, having been translated into different languages and performed in over 140 countries. Although the play has become an institution that upholds the general welfare of women, its tautological dramatization and growing number of adaptations just make proof of how the very issue of sexism still flourishes. This makes ‘The Vagina Monologues’ even more important to be seen.
The play is precisely what its name suggests: monologues about vaginas. It is a series of stories, based on interviews, in which women talk about their genital organs – in a soulful, liberating way. The play is set to reveal a whole range of human experiences – human stories that give voice to the lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave women of different upbringings, of different standpoints. The play brazenly explores the humor, power, pain, wisdom, outrage, mystery and excitement hidden in vaginas.
In this special V20, the production will showcase the country’s finest talents – an exciting trio of actresses. Leading the cast is one of the show’s original actresses, veteran and internationally celebrated actress Monique Wilson (who also played Kim in ‘Miss Saigon’). Monique, apart from being the New Voice Company Founder and Artistic Director, is also the Global Director of One Billion Rising (the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history).
Joining Monique is one of the Philippines’s most exciting, versatile and applauded actresses of today – Missy Maramara. Missy recently received rave reviews for her lead solo role in Dulaang UP’s production – ‘Ang Dalagita’y ‘sang Bagay na Di-buo’ (Dalagita), and has been a long time New Voice Company TVM actress.
Completing the trio is lauded brave and creative actress Mae Paner (Juana Change), who, aside from being a critically acclaimed satirist, is also a talented actress. Mae will not be extolling satire this time, but will be showcasing her diverse acting skill. She recently impressed audiences with her one woman show on extra judicial killings – ‘Tao Po’ which will be going on an international tour later this year.
Directed by TVM /VDAY actress and former UK One Billion Rising Coordinator – Thea Tadiar, ‘The Vagina Monologues’ runs on August 11, 8PM (English) and August 12, 3PM (Filipino).
