In the mid 1990s Eve Ensler wrote the first draft of a series of monologues based on interviews she conducted with 200 women about their views on sex, relationships and violence against women. Those stories came to be known as The Vagina Monologues. This instant (and sometimes controversial) hit has since been staged nationally, internationally and on HBO first by Ensler herself and then by a revolving cast of celebrity monologists.
In 1998, Ensler and others launched V-Day, a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of The Vagina Monologues and other artistic works. Participants stage benefit performances of the show and/or host other related events in their communities around the world each year between Feb. 1 and April 30. San Diego joins the 2012 global effort with a benefit presentation of not only The Vagina Monologues but also performer Derrick Brown and something new: The MENding Monologues.
The MENding Monologues was created by Derek Dujardin, a writer and performer central to a theater movement that has helped countless men consider the cost of violence in their relationships. “I think this is a great partnership,” comments Dujardin. “If we’re really going to stop violence, you can’t have 50 percent of the population believing that this is not their problem or getting turned off by the content or tone of the conversation. That’s why drama and comedy are such powerful tools for change. It makes its point – without preaching.”
While The Vagina Monologues itself will always be closed to male performers, the V-Day organization has embraced The MENding Monologues and similar shows that are in alignment with their goal of stopping violence toward women and girls, and reclaiming peace.
Performances take place between March 22 and 24 at the Sunset Temple, 3911 Kansas St., San Diego (behind Claire de Lune coffeehouse), The Vagina Monologues is performed at 8 p.m. March 22 and 24 while The MENding Monologues is performed March 23.
Visit innermissionproductions.org for ticket information.
