It is a theatrical phenomenon that has travelled around the globe; now ‘The Vagina Monologues’ returns to Northern Ireland courtesy of Premier Theatrical Productions, and premieres on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th November at the Burnavon theatre, Cookstown. The brand new production stars local comedian Carol Doey; National TV broadcaster Pamela Ballantine and the much loved Olivia Nash star of Give my Head Peace.
“The Vagina Monologues” were written in 1996 by performance artist Eve Ensler. In drafting her early monologues, Ensler conducted interviews with 200 women on the subjects of sex, relationships and violence against women. Since then, a new monologue has been added to the performance each year to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world.
Searingly funny, sometimes shocking, moving and unashamedly honest, these potent stories from a range of ages, ethnicities and sexualities will make for a jubilant night at the theatre. It’s certainly one for an ultimate girl’s night out (though it has to be said, men in the audience may learn a thing or two!).
Producer Aisling McElhone is excited about bringing The Vagina Monologues to Northern Ireland again in her debut role as a producer. “It’s a number of years since the last professional production of the show in Northern Ireland, which means there is a large audience who won’t have seen this fantastic piece.”
Veteran Director Sean Faloon is looking forward to working with Olivia, Carol and Pamela in such a famous global theatrical phenomenon, saying “You can sure trust theatre to throw up a show that’s something different. The Vagina Monologues fits the bill!”
Laughter and comedy aside (which there is plenty of in the ladies performances of the monologues), there is a serious side to the evening. The proceeds from the play go to the V-Day Charity. V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls inspired by The Vagina Monologues.
The movement was started in 1998 by author, playwright and activist Eve Ensler, who has been quoted as saying that it was women’s reactions to the play that launched V-Day. In twelve years, the V-Day movement has raised over $75 million and reached over 300 million people. The 2011/ 2012 campaign is for “the Women and Girls of Haiti” to highlight the high levels of violence against women and girls in Haiti, and will focus on the increased rates of sexual violence since the devastating earthquake that took place in January 2010.
On the night representatives from local charities and support groups will be at the Burnavon to share in the excitement, comedy, drama and pathos that the show will bring.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at the Burnavon Box Office, Burn Road, Cookstown, by phone on 028 8676 9949 or online at www.burnavon.com, and are priced at £18 / £16 (concession). Keep up to date with the production and other events at www.burnavon.com