If you haven’t yet seen The Vagina Monologues in Airdrie, this year might be the last chance to do so.
Airdrie’s fifth – and potentially final – performance of the episodic play will take place Feb. 8 at Bert Church LIVE Theatre.
“We hosted it for three years, then we took a break for a couple of years,” said Laurie Jacob-Toews, a member of the organizing committee for the production. “Now, we’re going to take a break again, and we may or may not bring it back. We’ll look at doing different shows in the future, or some different opportunities.”
The Vagina Monologues is an award-winning play written by author and playwright Eve Ensler in 1996. It is a compilation of soliloquies, individually read aloud by women. The speeches all centre on women’s experiences, and range in topic from sexuality to body image, rape, childbirth and orgasms.
“Some of the topics are very challenging, some are funny, some are really dark, but they all come together as one show,” Jacob-Toews said.
“It’s just to raise awareness about some of the issues, challenges and celebrations that women experience in their lives.”
The presentation is a part of V-Day – a global movement aimed at ending violence against women and girls.
The play has sold out all four times its been performed in Airdrie, according to Jacob-Toews, who encourages residents to buy tickets ahead of time to secure a seat. She said part of its popularity in the city is likely due to the local women who recite the monologues.
“They’re not actresses, and a lot of the time this is the first time they’ve ever spoken in front of a crowd,” she said. “There’s a lot of support from friends and families for that.
“And this is such a world-renowned show. It’s something…you should see at least once in your lifetime.”
While the monologues do not change, Jacob-Toews said each year the new performers bring their own personal touch to the play.
“Even if you heard the same one last year, it’s not going to sound the same this year with a different person portraying it,” she said. “Each year has a unique spin and there are unique cast members every year.”
The second half of the evening will be dedicated to the One Billion Rising Revolution, which, according to its website, is “the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history.”
The show is not just entertaining and impactful, but also acts as a fundraiser for two Airdrie-based charities. According to Jacob-Toews, ticket proceeds will go towards Community Links and the Airdrie and District Victim Assistance Society, to support programming for women and girls impacted by violence. She said the four previous productions raised a combined total of more than $58,000 for the two charities.
“Obviously it’s a great fundraiser for both agencies, so if people haven’t seen it, it’s their last chance to check it out – at least for awhile,” said Jacob-Toews, who is also the community engagement manager for Community Links.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7. Tickets are $30 if bought in advance or $35 at the door, and can be purchased at ladiesoutloud.ca/vday-airdrie
