Sisters are doing it for themselves
Eve Ensler's is an international sensation. Since its first production in 1996, the play continues to fill theatres across the world and has given birth to the , which campaigns to end violence against women and girls.
The Vagina Monologues returns to Belfast next week with three performances at The Black Box, on Waring Street in the city's Cathedral Quarter, on 25, 26 and 27 June. An entirely voluntary cast and crew will stage the production, and proceeds will be donated to . Tickets are be available on the door (£7/ 5 concession), which opens at 7.30 pm for an 8pm start.
The writer and artist is one of the cast. I asked Cary what this production means to her. You can read her response below.
The Vagina Monologues and Me
by Cary Gibson
Taking part in a production of The Vagina Monologues is unquestionably a rite of passage. It is no exaggeration to say, for me, this is something of a lifelong ambition realised. And what a stir it causes. Reactions to invitations are varied and often amusing. Sometimes awkward. Some people shrink in embarrassment, others respond with overwhelming enthusiasm. Others still say the most outrageous things, not least taxi drivers.
I participate in this production with a sense of privilege. The process of rehearsing this play, which features a series of monologues based on over 200 "vagina interviews" conducted by Ensler, is an experience of the unique energy that is generated when women congregate and begin to creatively express their female stories. In our diversity of age, backgrounds and experience, we have all found resonance in this work: the voice of one is the voice of many.
I also participate in this production as a concerned citizen. A study conducted in late 2005 in Northern Ireland uncovered disturbing attitudes in our society, most significantly a persisting assumption of culpability on the part of women who have been victims of rape and sexual violence. It was a shock to this writer to find a pervasive 'she was asking for it' attitude in our community. Against such a backdrop, The Belfast Rape Crisis Centre fields an increasing number of calls each year on its crisis line from victims of rape and sexual violence needing support, advice and assistance. Many are referred to the centre by GPs, and yet its statutory funding has all but disappeared.
Finally I am performing in The Vagina Monologues as a feminist. I am astonished at how often I hear my female contemporaries open comments on women's issues with the line, "I'm not a feminist, but...". I understand feminism to be based on the assumption that women are human beings and that to be feminist is to care about the particular needs of women and the many gendered politics of our society. Or, as the bumper sticker says, "I'll be a post-feminist when we live in a post-patriarchy." Ensler's play is a call to us all, male or female, to challenge misogyny and make sexual violence untenable in our community.
V-Day, the philanthropic activist movement set up in 1998 by Eve Ensler has as its motto "Until The Violence Stops". This play will keep being performed as long as there are women being abused in their homes, on their streets, and as victims of armed conflict. This is art as social action, art as education, art as empowerment, and liberation. For those who have not seen it, this vital, vibrant play provokes tears of laughter, of sadness and even horror. It is truly an emotional rollercoaster of a production to perform and to experience.
Cary Gibson is a writer and artist living in Belfast and a member of the Ikon collective. Details of the production and the accompanying VaginArt exhibition by professional and amateur artists can be found here. A VaginART Exhibition will run alongside the performances in The Black Box, featuring work from local artists. The exhibition will also be open to the general public at The Black Box from 9am-6pm on 26 and 27 June. Following the final performance on 27 June, at 10pm there will be a vaginART auction, where several pieces of work will be sold, in aid of the Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre.
Comments
Sounds great. I'll try to see one of the performances next week. Break a leg!
I've read quite a bit of criticism of this play. People say it's anti-men and aggressively feminist. I don't have a problem with feminism (in fact, if this just means defending complete equality with women, then Im a feminist) but anti-male ideas aren't helpful are they? Others say (ok, Im reading this on the wikipedia entry) that it includes a pro-rape scene because its two women. Is that right?
I agree with Stephen, Antrim on this: if feminism merely favours equality then I'm happy to identify with feminism. In that case, though, wouldn't 'pro-equality' be an 'equally' good way of describing it? In any case, I've heard great things about the Vagina Monologues.
It is a great play, thought provoking, challenging, and funny. I didn't think it anti male...though there weren't too many men in the audience when I went!
I'm not in Belfast on the 25 and 26, but if I'm back on time on the 27 I will try my best to go and see this. I've always wondered what all the fuss is about.
A huge Thank you! to all who came. the black box was full each night, the show was a great success, and over 40 people were turned away at the door on the final night as we had reached legal capacity limits - there was standing room only and folks sitting on the floor. the atmosphere was fantastic.
stephen, antrim - sorry not to see your comment sooner. needless to say, the show is neither anti-men, (far from it), and does not contain a pro-rape scene. as for being "aggressively feminist". i'd perhaps say it is passionately femininist. but aggressive? no, although it does express personal anger through some of the monologues. you can purchase the script in bookstores or online should you be interested in reading it.
i'll stop back here when we have the final tally on what we've managed to raise for the Rape Crisis Centre.
Cary,