You might have already heard that ‘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.
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.
On both nights of the premier performance, representatives from a number of local charities that deal with issues that affect women in particular will be displaying stands and creating awareness of their work. Those attending include Women’s Aid Cookstown and Dungannon, who provide a quality-based holistic service to women and children affected by all forms of domestic violence. Women’s Aid work closely with another charity that will also take part: the Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre. Based in Belfast, the Centre has been providing free of charge confidential counselling, advice and advocacy services to survivors of sexual violence and abuse and those who support them since 1982. Angela, volunteer at the Rape Crisis Centre stated “We support the client from the first phone call to any legal proceedings. As with any company during this recession the Centre is struggling financially. To continue for a further 30 years we need the public support more than ever, and are delighted to take part in this event to raise awareness of the work we do, and reach out to people who may need our help.”
Also attending will be the Niamh Lousie Foundation. Based in Tyrone and Armagh, with resource centres in Coalisland, Richill and Cookstown, the charity was set up in 2006 following the death by suicide of local girl Niamh McKee. Concentrating on rural communities, the charity provides advocacy services, as well as suicide prevention, intervention and postvention services.
Joining these charities will be LiLAC Coalisland and Cookstown. LiLAC was established in 2003 in response to an identified need in the area for emotional support for cancer sufferers and their families in Mid-Ulster. They provide information, support, relaxation services and practical help assist cancer sufferers and their families from their resource centres in Coalisland and Cookstown,
The final charity to attend will be Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s only charity dedicated to those affected by cervical abnormalities or cervical cancer. Robert Music, Director of Jo’s Trust, said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of our work and the fact that cervical cancer is largely preventable. However almost one in four women in Northern Ireland didn’t take up their cervical screening invitation last year, whilst half of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Northern Ireland have never had a smear test or their last smear test has taken place more than five years previously. The Vagina Monologues production will help us reach and educate many more women, reminding them that they can take proactive steps to reduce their risk.”
“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!).
Tickets are currently available at the Burnavon Box Office, by phone on 028 8676 9949 or on the website www.burnavon.com and are priced at £18 / £16 (concession). The performances contain strong adult content and responsibility for the under 16’s lies with the accompanying adult.